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Dear Maria 

You Don't Have to Carry It Alone.

You Don't Have to Carry It Alone.

Life can be complicated. Sometimes we need guidance. Sometimes we simply need someone to listen. Whether you're struggling with relationships, family, parenting, anxiety, cultural expectations, or another personal challenge, this is a place where your voice matters.

Dear Maria is an educational space where our community comes together to ask questions, share personal stories, and learn from one another. Every published letter and response is intended to educate, encourage reflection, and remind you that you are not alone.

While I cannot provide therapy through this website, I hope these conversations help you better understand yourself, your relationships, and the patterns that influence your life.

How would you like to get started?
 

Read Community Letters

Read anonymous stories shared by members of our community, along with Maria's educational responses.

Explore Community Letters →


Read Questions from Our Community

Explore questions submitted by readers and Maria's educational responses.

Read Questions →

Want to participate?
Simply scroll down this page to ASK MARIA or SHARE YOUR STORY using the forms below. 
 

Ask a Question

Have a question about relationships, family, parenting, mental health or life? Submit one question and briefly describe your situation. Include only the details needed to understand your question.


Selected questions may be answered anonymously in the Dear Maria advice column. Due to the number of submissions, not every question can be published or receive a response.

Category
May this question be considered for anonymous publication?
Yes
No

Share Your Story

Your voice matters. Share your unique journey, challenges, and triumphs with our community. Your story can inspire and heal others walking a similar path. Your story has the power to help someone else feel less alone. Share a personal experience, challenge, or lesson you've learned. Selected stories may be published anonymously to educate, inspire, and encourage others. Individual responses or advice will not be provided.

You can upload images or documents that help tell your story.

How should we publish your story?
With my name
Anonymously

Educational Disclaimer

The Dear Maria section is intended solely for educational and informational purposes. Responses are based only on the limited information voluntarily submitted and are not a substitute for psychotherapy, mental health treatment, medical care, diagnosis, legal advice, or any other professional service.

Submitting a question or story, reading any response, or interacting with this website does not establish a therapist-client relationship or any other professional relationship with Maria Shkreli, LMHC, or Therapy4Growth Mental Health Counseling PLLC.

Questions and stories may be edited for clarity, length, grammar, and to remove identifying information while preserving the original meaning. Stories or questions will only be published according to the permission provided by the individual submitting them. Submission does not guarantee publication or a personal response.

If you are experiencing emotional distress or need individualized mental health care, please seek assistance from a qualified licensed mental health professional in your area. If you are experiencing a mental health or medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency services) or contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline if you are in the United States.

By submitting a question or story, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this Educational Disclaimer.

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