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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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.
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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.
