Susan Derby, MSW, ACSW, first discovered Hand in Hand Parenting when her oldest child was a toddler. Overwhelmed by the intensity of those early parenting challenges, she found deep resonance and relief in Patty Wipfler’s writings—and quickly signed up for her first Hand in Hand class. The tools had a profound impact not only on her child and family but also on her own overall well-being. Feeling newly supported and empowered, she was inspired to train as a Hand in Hand Parenting Instructor.
Since becoming certified in 2013, Susan has worked with parents, children, and families in a variety of settings, offering classes, consultations, and support groups. As a mental health clinician, Susan has worked in contexts ranging from public schools to hospice care. Today, she provides therapy (as an associate therapist working toward LCSW licensure) to children and adults in California, with areas of focus including grief/loss, anxiety/depression, life transitions, caregiving burden/fatigue, and parenting.
Outside of her office, you might see Susan on a yoga mat, on a nature trail, behind a book, or on the beach with her spouse and two children. She loves camping, good food, live music, cats and people. You can read more about Susan’s personal and professional experiences with the Hand in Hand tools here:
https://www.handinhandparenting.org/author/susanderby/
In her role as a certified instructor of Hand in Hand, Susan is available for consultations. You can reach her on: susan at handinhandparenting dot org.