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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School Anxiety and Refusal in Children – What Parents Can Do
School anxiety can significantly affect a child’s academic and social life. Learn how to help your child overcome school refusal.
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7 Tips to Reduce Your Kids’ Screen Time
Setting limits on screen time for kids can ensure they grow mentally, emotionally, and physically. Learn how much screen time kids should have.
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Agoraphobia in Children
Learn about agoraphobia in children, its symptoms, causes, and effective treatment options to help your child overcome anxiety and thrive.
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Healthy Coping Skills for Kids and Teens
Coping skills for kids and teens can help them manage anger, anxiety, sadness, frustration, and everyday stress. Learn more in this guide.
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Is It OCD or Anxiety? How to Tell the Difference
Differentiating between OCD vs. anxiety is important for receiving the appropriate treatment. Learn the key differences.
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My Child Can’t Focus: Is it ADHD or Anxiety?
ADHD and anxiety can look very similar, but the two conditions are unique. Learn how to differentiate them and support your child in the best way.
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Understanding Executive Dysfunction in ADHD
Learn how executive dysfunction can affect people with ADHD. Read this article to understand its symptoms and management strategies.
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Printable Healthy Habits Worksheets and Handouts for Kids
Explore healthy habits worksheets and handouts that can help children develop healthy habits at home, school, or in therapy.
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Video Games Can Be Good for Kids, But Balance and Game Choice Matter
Discover how video games can benefit children, plus practical tips for choosing quality games, managing screen time, and keeping play balanced.
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Does My Child Have Agoraphobia or Social Anxiety?
Learn whether your child’s fears may signal agoraphobia or social anxiety, including symptoms, causes, and treatment options.
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My Teen Avoids Social Situations: Is It Avoidant Personality Disorder or Social Anxiety?
Is your teen avoiding friends and events? Learn how avoidant personality disorder differs from social anxiety and when to seek support.
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Highly Sensitive Children Traits and Parenting Tips
Wondering if your child is highly sensitive? Learn the traits, strengths, challenges, and ways to support a highly sensitive child.
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Is Your Child Anxious or Just Stressed? A Parent’s Guide
Learn how to tell childhood anxiety from everyday stress, spot warning signs, and help your child feel supported, safe, and understood.
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All or Nothing Thinking: Why Everything Can Feel Like “Success or Failure”
All or nothing thinking can make small setbacks feel like complete failures. Learn how to recognize this pattern and practice more balanced thinking.
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A Beginner’s Guide to Meditation for Teens
Meditation for teens is a science-backed practice that improves their mental health and well-being. Read our beginner’s guide for tips on how to get your teen started.
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Signs of Undiagnosed Autism in Teenagers
Understanding the symptoms of autism in teens can help improve social skills and manage sensory processing issues. Learn about diagnosis, treatment, and support.
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How to Parent a Defiant Teenager
Many teens will act out, but parenting a defiant teenager can be an emotional experience. Learn what defiance is and how to deal with it.
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13 Ways to Improve Your Low Self-Esteem and Build Lasting Confidence
Knowing how to improve your self-esteem can improve your relationships and success in life. Learn more here.
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Early Childhood Attachment Styles: Looking Beyond the Original Theory
Discover how early childhood attachment style research has evolved, from foundational theory to today’s nuanced perspectives.
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Explaining Death to a Child: Words to Say and Avoid
Not sure how to explain death to a child? Here’s how to talk about loss, answer common questions, and offer reassurance.
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Why Autism and Anxiety Commonly Co-Occur
Explore why autism and anxiety often co-occur, how symptoms overlap, and practical ways to recognize and support both conditions.
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Reactive Attachment Disorder in Children and Teens
Learn about reactive attachment disorder in children and teens, including symptoms, diagnosis, and effective treatment options for healthier relationships.
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How to Help a Child with Sensory Issues – A Guide for Parents
Discover our practical guide for parents to support a child with sensory issues. Learn tips and strategies to help your child and family thrive.
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Autism Meltdown: A Parent’s Guide to Recognizing and Responding
Understand what an autism meltdown is and find helpful strategies to respond with care. Empower your autism parenting journey today.
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11 Signs Your Child Might Be Developing Narcissistic Traits
Narcissism in children may look like self-centeredness, but it often points to deeper psychological issues. Learn to spot narcissistic traits in your child.
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Could My Toddler Have ADHD? Early Signs Parents Shouldn't Ignore
Wondering if your toddler could have ADHD? Explore the potential early signs and what you can do to support your toddler.
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Depression vs Sadness: Key Differences
Confused about depression and sadness? Understand the differences, signs, and when to seek help in this detailed guide for your well-being
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Why Parents Become Overprotective and How It Affects Children
Find out what drives overprotective parents and how their approach may affect children’s well-being, confidence, and future relationships.
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CBT Techniques and Exercises for Anxiety
Learn about CBT for anxiety, including how it works, therapist-guided techniques, and CBT exercises you can use at home.
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Identifying Emotions Worksheets: Printables to Help Express Emotions
Our identifying emotions worksheets aim to help kids make purposeful choices instead of letting their feelings get the best of them. Explore what’s included.
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Sensory Issues in Autism
Sensory issues in autism can manifest as over- or under-stimulation. Learn what these sensory issues look like and how you can support a child who experiences them.
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The Stages of Anger: Why Anger Escalates and How to Recognize Them Early
Learn how to identify every stage of anger, prevent escalation, and manage your emotions better. Recognize the signs early for healthier reactions.
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What Helps (and Hurts) When Disciplining Kids With ADHD
Learn how disciplining kids with ADHD can be more successful. Explore helpful techniques and avoid common pitfalls for happier families.
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20 Evidence-Based Social Skills Activities for Kids
Discover 20 social skills activities for kids backed by research that build confidence, healthy friendships, and more.
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Helping a Toddler Cope with Separation Anxiety
Worried about your toddler's separation anxiety? Learn proven strategies to ease their fears and help them feel secure when you’re apart.
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My Worry Jar Worksheet: A Simple Tool to Manage Anxiety and Overthinking
Help kids manage anxious thoughts with a worry jar worksheet. Learn how it works, how to use it, and why it's an effective tool for building emotional regulation skills.
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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.
