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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Is Your Child Procrastinating? Here's Why and How to Help
Learn how to reduce procrastination in kids, especially when tasks feel overwhelming. Here are the reasons behind their behavior and ways to help them.
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How EMDR Therapy Helps Children Process Trauma and Difficult Memories
Learn how EMDR empowers children to heal from trauma and difficult memories with proven therapeutic techniques designed for young minds.
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5 Printable Self-Reflection Worksheets to Help Build Emotional Awareness
Is your child constantly melting down or overcome by big emotions? These self-reflection worksheets can help build emotional awareness.
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CPTSD vs PTSD: Key Differences in Causes and Symptoms
Learn the key differences between CPTSD and PTSD, including their causes, symptoms, and treatment.
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100 Inspirational Quotes for Teens to Stay Positive During Hard Times
Find the best inspirational quotes for teens to stay positive in hard times. Empower yourself with wisdom and hope through tough days.
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Subjective Units of Distress Scale (SUDS) Worksheet: A Simple Tool for Measuring Emotions
The Subjective Units of Distress Scale worksheet can help kids understand their emotions better. Learn how to use it as a therapeutic tool.
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7 Ways to Prepare Your Child for Change and Life Transitions
Learning how to prepare your child for change can turn big unknowns into memorable milestones. Explore seven helpful tips in our article.
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15 Printable Social Emotional Learning Worksheets
15 printable worksheets that turn these concepts into hands-on learning activities.
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Behavioral Activation: A Core CBT Skill for Breaking Depression Cycles
Learn how behavioral activation can combat depression and boost well-being. Find out how this core CBT skill can transform your mental health journey.
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A Guide to Oppositional Defiant Disorder in Children
This guide to ODD in children explains symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and support strategies.
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Talking to Kids About Divorce: What to Say and What to Avoid
Unsure how to discuss divorce with your kids? Find advice on the best ways to communicate and things to avoid for a smoother transition.
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ADHD Paralysis: Why Simple Tasks Can Feel So Overwhelming
Feeling unable to start or complete tasks? ADHD paralysis may be the reason. Find out what it is and how to manage it in everyday life.
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6 Printable Challenging Negative Thoughts Worksheets & Handouts
Challenging negative thoughts worksheets can change your perspective. Discover our most helpful worksheets and handouts.
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Toddler Discipline: What Works and What Doesn’t
Knowing how to discipline a toddler can help correct unwanted behaviors in a positive and encouraging way. Learn more about toddler discipline in our article
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Unresolved Trauma: 9 Signs Trauma May Still Be Affecting You
Unresolved trauma can lead to anger outbursts, affect self-esteem, and cause physical symptoms. Learn about nine signs you may have unresolved trauma.
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A Study on How Affect Labeling Reduces Emotional Intensity
Affect labeling is an effective tool for creating distance between who you are and what you’re feeling. Learn how it can reduce emotional intensity.
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Emotions Activities for Kids: 50 Fun Ways to Help Kids Understand Feelings
Discover the best emotions activities for kids. Help your child identify and express feelings with these 50 fun, interactive ideas.
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Patience Worksheets: Printables to Teach Kids Waiting and Self-Control
Being patient can be frustrating for lots of children. Discover patience worksheets and how to use them for better self-regulation and executive functioning.
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Why Meditation for Kids is Becoming a Key Part of Emotional Development
Discover how meditation for kids supports emotional development, boosts mindfulness, and promotes healthy growth. Learn simple practices to nurture your child’s wellbeing.
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12 Reasons Why Measurable Goals are Important
Learn how measurable goals keep you motivated, hardworking, and more successful.
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How to Help a Child Cope with Social Anxiety
Social anxiety in children can impact school and relationships. Learn how to recognize the signs and use supportive strategies.
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Identifying Common Thinking Errors and Untwisting Your Thoughts
Learn the most common thinking errors, how they affect mental health, and CBT strategies to challenge them in this article
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Kids
Discover how ACT helps kids build flexibility, manage emotions, and develop coping skills for happier, healthier everyday life.
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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.
