Dear Maria

You Don't Have to Carry It Alone.

Life can be complicated. Sometimes we need guidance, and sometimes we simply need someone to listen. Dear Maria is a place to ask questions, share personal experiences, and learn from one another.

Every question and story is shared anonymously, and my responses are educational and intended to encourage reflection—not provide therapy.

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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.

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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.