Michael Vallejo, LCSW
Michael received a Master's Degree in Social Work from Portland State University in 2010. He is a licensed as a Clinical Social Worker in Colorado and Oregon. He values a non-judgmental and collaborative approach to therapy. Michael utilize a strengths-based, goal-oriented approach, which includes skill-building, and strategies from solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and various dialectical behavior therapy skills.
Prior to starting his private practice in 2014, he worked in a residential treatment center for children and teens, at a shelter for at-risk youth, and as a child and family therapist in a community-based mental health agency. He specialize in working with boys with behavioral, emotional, and /or school difficulties. Michael's primary age of focus is 10-18 years old.
Specialties: Working with boys, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Stress, Depression, Mood difficulties, Behavioral difficulties, and School related concerns.
Latest Articles by Michael Vallejo, LCSW
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Speech Therapy for Autism: Benefits and Exercises That Help Children Communicate
Learn how speech therapy for autism offers practical exercises and proven benefits to help children enhance their communication skills.
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How Emotionally Focused Therapy Helps Children and Families
Learn how emotionally focused therapy (EFT) helps children and families build stronger bonds and improve emotional well-being together. Read on to learn more.
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10 Effective Coping Skills for Dealing with Difficult Emotions
Coping skills for emotions help keep us resilient and confident during stressful times. Discover 10 effective coping skills to use every day.
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Healthy Coping Skills for Grief and Loss
Coping skills for grief can help make navigating feel more manageable and accepting.
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15 Goal-Setting Games and Activities That Make Planning Feel Fun
Make setting goals fun and engaging with these 15 goal-setting games and activities.
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50 Quotes on Confidence and Self-Belief
Discover 50 powerful quotes on confidence to inspire self-belief, personal growth, resilience, and a positive mindset every day.
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7 Goal-Setting Strategies That Create a Blueprint for Success
Learn 7 effective goal setting strategies that can help you stay motivated, track progress, and achieve meaningful results.
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Temper Tantrums in Toddlers and Young Kids
Temper tantrums can be frustrating and exhausting for both parents and children. Learn why they happen and how you can help your child manage their feelings.
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Responsibility Worksheets: Printable Activities to Teach Kids Accountability
Incorporating our responsibility worksheets into your child’s routine can help them become more dependable and and hardworking.
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Pathological Demand Avoidance in Children
Understand pathological demand avoidance in children with this helpful guide to symptoms, diagnosis, and practical tips for parents and caregivers.
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Goal Setting for Kids: 7 Steps to Help Kids Set Effective Goals
Help kids succeed with these 7 steps for goal setting. Learn simple tips to help children set and achieve their personal goals for lifelong success.
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80 Journal Prompts for Anxiety
Ease your anxiety with these 80 journal prompts that help relieve stress and boost emotional well-being through self-reflection.
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Body Scan for Kids: Benefits, Meditation Script, and Tips
Learn how a body scan can help calm your child down in moments of stress and help them become more in tune with themselves.
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How to Raise Children with a Growth Mindset (Without Pressure)
Understand why a growth mindset for kids matters and ways parents and teachers can support this. Read the article to learn more about simple strategies.
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Why “Good Enough” Parenting Helps Children Thrive Without Perfection
Parents don’t need to chase perfection. Learn how “good enough” parenting creates an emotionally secure, independent, and strong child.
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Healing from Childhood Trauma Can Take Time, But It is Possible
Healing from childhood trauma may take time, but healing is possible with the right approach and support.
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Different Levels of Anxiety (Mild, Moderate, Severe, and Panic Stage)
Explore the various levels of anxiety (mild, moderate, severe, and panic). Understand the symptoms and get insights to manage each anxiety level effectively.
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Social Anxiety vs Autism: The Difference and Overlap
Discover the key differences and overlap between social anxiety and autism. Learn how to identify each and understand their unique traits.
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Teen Mental Health Overview and Statistics (2025)
Explore the latest teen mental health statistics to understand trends affecting youth and to find resources that can help teens thrive.
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Communication Worksheets: Printable Activities to Help Kids Build Strong Social Skills
Help kids build stronger communication skills with these printable worksheets. They cover assertive communication, social cues, presentation skills, and more.
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250 Self-Love Quotes to Boost Confidence and Self-Worth
Grow your confidence and develop stronger self-worth with these 250 self-love quotes.
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Research on the Best Types of Exercise for Children’s Mental Health
A study of 5,000+ kids reveals how regular movement can reduce depression symptoms. Explore the findings here.
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5 Printable CBT Worksheets for Anxiety
Looking for ways to address and manage your stress? Discover five printable CBT worksheets for anxiety and learn how to use them.
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Research on How Caring for Nature Protects Our Future
This research explains why we are part of nature, not above it, and shares simple steps to help children care for the environment. Learn more here.
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How Emotional Growth Helps You Succeed in Life
Emotional growth can make you more successful in your personal and professional life. Learn why it matters and how to nurture it.
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Circle of Control Worksheet: Printable Activity to Help You Focus on What You Can Control
Help kids manage stress with Circle of Control worksheets. Printable tools for parents, teachers & counselors to build emotional resilience in children.
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DBT Problem-Solving Worksheets: Printables for Emotional Regulation and Better Decisions
DBT problem-solving helps children and teens build the skills they need to resolve conflicts. Discover three helpful DBT problem-solving worksheets.
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Research on the Benefits of Volunteering for Kids and Teens
Can helping others help your child thrive? Research suggests yes. Read this summary for key insights on how volunteering may support them.
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Practicing and Increasing Your Emotional Awareness
Practicing emotional awareness puts you in control of how you respond to stressors and others around you. Learn how to become more conscious of your feelings.
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10 Fun Self-Esteem Activities for Kids
Discover fun, research-backed self-esteem activities for kids, from journaling to team sports. Explore the full list in this article.
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Nonverbal Autism: Supporting Language Development in Nonverbal Autistic Children
Discover effective strategies to support language development in children with nonverbal autism. Find tips and practical support in this article.
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Research on the Power of Friendship and Mental Health in Teens
Evidence shows friendship interventions enhance teen mental health and peer support. Read the research findings and how to put them into practice.
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Panic Attack vs Anxiety Attack: Key Differences
What’s the difference between panic attacks and anxiety attacks? Find out what triggers them, the symptoms of each, and tips for managing both effectively.
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10 Fun Mental Health Activities for Kids
Help kids build emotional awareness and healthy coping skills with these 10 mental health activities.
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7 Benefits of Yoga for Kids
Looking for a way to improve your child’s focus, confidence, and working memory? Learn how yoga for kids can provide all these benefits!
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Research on Using Drawing to Lift a Child’s Mood
Research shows that drawing to distract, not just to express, helps children feel better quickly. This summary provides key findings and tips to get started.
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7 Benefits of Yoga for Autism
Yoga for autism can offer unexpected benefits for kids who struggle to focus and communicate. Learn more about its benefits in our article.
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How Positive Peer Pressure Can Inspire Better Choices
Positive peer pressure can encourage kids to make good choices regarding their personal goals, friendships, and academic success. Learn more about it and its benefits.
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7 Tips for Helping an Overly Emotional Child
Having an overly emotional child may feel challenging for parents. Learn these tips for helping your child manage overwhelming emotions.
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Research on Cognitive Reappraisal and Youth Self-Esteem
Peer victimization may reduce self-esteem, but children who effectively use cognitive reappraisal are shielded from these effects.
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What is Emotional Health and Why It Matters
Emotional health is an aspect of mental health that shapes our thoughts and feelings over time. Learn why it matters and how to improve it.
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Good Manners Worksheets: Printable Activities to Teach Respect and Kindness
Learn how good manners worksheets can help kids practice respect, kindness, and everyday social skills at home or in school.
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21 Emotional Intelligence Activities, Exercises, and Worksheets
Children with high emotional intelligence are confident, resilient, self-aware, and strong problem-solvers. Here are emotional intelligence activities to try at home and in school.
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Research on Teen Resilience and Emotional Balance in Daily Life
How do resilient teens manage everyday stress? Read this study to learn more insights and what it means for your child.
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Gratitude Journal Prompts: 100 Prompts for Cultivating Gratitude
Discover 100 gratitude journal prompts that helps you reflect on daily moments, growth, and relationships.
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Why Parents Should Do Mental Health Check-Ins With Their Children
Learn how to do effective and age-appropriate mental health check-ins with your child. This guide offers tips on timing, phrasing, and when to seek support.
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44 Evidence-Based Coping Skills for Kids
Learn 44 proven coping skills for kids to handle emotions, reduce anxiety, and develop healthy habits.
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10 Mental Health Websites Offering Evidence-Based Tools and Resources
Looking for credible, evidence-based information and support for mental health? Discover the ten best mental health websites online.
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Research on How Grief Changes a Child’s Brain
How does grief affect a child’s brain? Learn what research reveals about brain changes after experiencing loss and how children gradually heal.
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Self-Forgiveness Worksheet: Printable Activities to Help You Let Go and Heal
Download a self forgiveness worksheet for kids to help children process mistakes, let go of guilt, and learn healthier ways to move forward.
