Safe Harbor Coach Susan Berland Builds a Bridge of Acceptance and Understanding between LGBT Youth and Their Parents

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Nov. 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The holidays can be strained between parents and their LGBT children when the parents are still struggling with acceptance. Safe Harbor Coach Susan Berland offers help just in time for the holidays.

"How would life be different and better if we stopped wasting time wishing for something else and used that energy to appreciate and celebrate who we are and where we are today? It's not too late and it can change everything," Berland asks.

For the last several years, Susan Berland has been an unflinching ally to the LGBT community in issues from marriage equality to healing families struggling to accept their LGBT children. "I know what it's like to be told your child is gay and what is means to adjust expectations and deal with a roller coaster ride of emotions," says Berland. She is the proud mother of a gay son and champion for people who are different. Berland's passion is being the safe harbor for family members who want acceptance without judgment and to find a path to a loving, understanding, accepting family environment.

She asks you to consider if things have been strained between you and your child since they told you they were gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender? What are you willing to do to reduce that strain and tension and enjoy the holidays?

• Are you willing to talk to someone who has been there and understands?
• Would you want that person to be kind, supportive and non-judgmental?
• What if in 15 minutes you could see a shift in your relationship with your child that will allow you to enjoy the holidays with them? Would that be worth 15 minutes of your time?

On the day before Thanksgiving Berland is offering a free call to talk to parents of LGBT youth who are struggling with acceptance. There is no cost, no opt-in and no strings attached. "My only desire is to provide support to those who are struggling and give them some strategies for making their holidays less stressful and more harmonious," she says.

Date:   Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Time:  2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. PST

Call:    415-987-3194

The Guidelines:

• It's free to participate. No opt in is required.
• Sessions are 15 or fewer minutes. If you get voice mail, leave a message or call back in a few minutes.

There may not be a magic bullet, she says, "But you can still have a joyous holiday and celebrate together in love and harmony."

To learn more about Susan Berland, visit her web page at http://susanhopeberland.com

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SOURCE Susan Berland