How does it work?
Ever read an advice column? Or written to an Agony Aunt and read the wisdom of those writers published in glossy magazines and printed newspaper columns?
I believe there is a space in this world for problem-solving through letters and correspondence, where you take time to write out the issue at hand and I take time to read, understand, and respond. Here is my space to do just that with you.
Write to me and I’ll use my coaching and counselling experience to give practical, affirmative advice with an appropriate dose of kindness and common sense.
See the FAQs below for further information.
FAQs
Will my letters be anonymous?
Yes, always. It’s up to you to sign off your letter with your real name, made up name, or no name at all, but I always remove any identification prior to publishing.
Regardless of whether you choose to be anonymous or not, it’s no one else’s business to know whose letter is whose. Your secrets are very safe with me.
Do you respond to every letter?
I help where I can. Ask Malee Letters works just like an Agony Aunt advice column and I publish one or two letters weekly. Your experiences are entirely personal to you, but often we find that others have experienced similar things that have sometimes made them feel much like you do. That’s the human experience after all. We can always learn from other people and that’s the one of the main reasons why AskMalee.com exists!
Please read through my Letters correspondence at your leisure and if there’s anything deeply troubling you, please book a conversation.
How long will it be before you reply?
I fit in my correspondence around face-to-face and video call sessions for my coaching and counseling clients. I aim to reply within a few days.
I need more space than just one letter. Can we talk?
Of course, I’d love to! My coaching-counseling schedule is available right here on the site and you can click and book sessions with me. Right now (early 2021) all sessions are via video call, but follow my Instagram for updates on future in-person sessions.
How do you reply?
I’ll publish your letter on the Letters page and my response will be within the same post. Click into each letter to read the full replies.
If you are very sure you would not like your letter published, please specify this in your message and supply an email address where I can send you my reply privately.
Are you honest?
I’m a person who’s lived a full life so far with plenty of things to celebrate and commiserate, much like you. Fundamentally I believe in kindness and finding appropriate solutions and being proactive about it too!
I’m really about doing the work and supporting my clients and readers as needed and that doesn’t often include a pity party because you’re writing to me for advice, not a cuddle. I’ll encourage you to do what I think is needed to get you through whatever you’re going through — don’t worry at all, I’ve got your back.
I’m having a crisis and need an immediate response. Can you help?
If you are struggling through what feels like a crisis and need urgent help or advice, I implore you to please take your mental health seriously and reach out to helplines and listening services that are dedicated for urgent crises. They are staffed by trained people who are ready to listen and help you make sense of what you’re experiencing.
Rest of the world — List of crisis lines