Meet Dr. Jaclyn Valadka: Skills-Based Emotion Regulation Therapy and Life Transitions Support in Houston

At Sage Supportive Services, we’re proud to spotlight our dedicated team of mental health professionals offering compassionate, evidence-based care in Houston and across Texas. One of our valued clinicians is Jaclyn Valadka, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow in clinical psychology who provides structured, skills-based therapy focused on emotional regulation and navigating life transitions.

Emotional Regulation Therapy: Real-Time Tools for Managing Intensity

A man appears overwhelmed, covering his ears and shouting, conveying a sense of frustration or stress.

Many individuals struggle with intense emotions, anxiety, or feeling overwhelmed during high-stress situations. Yet most were never taught how to manage these emotions effectively. That’s where skills-based therapy comes in.

Dr. Valadka works collaboratively with clients to teach practical, research-backed strategies that can be used in the moment—not just discussed in theory. Her approach is grounded in cognitive-behavioral principles, mindfulness, and emotion regulation science.

Common challenges addressed:

• Emotional reactivity or frequent overwhelm

• Trouble managing stress in relationships or at work

• Trauma-related emotional patterns or shutdown

• Difficulty setting boundaries or communicating effectively

• Impulsivity or self-defeating behavior under distress

Methods may include:

• Individual therapy focused on real-time emotional skills

• Mindfulness and present-moment grounding

• In-session practice using real-life scenarios

• Psychoeducation on emotional processes

• Structured tools for problem-solving and de-escalation

Emotional insight alone isn’t always enough. Clients need skills they can use day to day to reduce stress, improve communication, and build resilience. Over time, these tools support greater confidence, better relationships, and emotional stability.

Therapy for Life Transitions: Navigate Change with Clarity and Support

A stunning display of transformation: a vibrant green chrysalis alongside another that's turning black, with a newly emerged butterfly stretching its wings in the sunlight.

From career changes to shifting roles in family life, life transitions can disrupt your sense of identity and emotional balance. Dr. Valadka offers specialized counseling for individuals experiencing stress, anxiety, or uncertainty during major life changes.

Her work is designed to help clients adjust thoughtfully, build structure in the midst of change, and develop strategies for staying grounded when everything feels up in the air.

Common areas of focus include:

• Starting a new job, getting a promotion, or navigating early career uncertainty

• Exploring or changing career paths, including switching majors or industries

• Relocating to a new city, state, or living independently for the first time

• Shifting family dynamics, including caregiving for siblings or parents

• Adjusting to new responsibilities like paying bills, budgeting, or managing time

• Coping with breakups, relationship changes, or dating challenges

• Navigating the stress of graduate school, licensure exams, or post-college planning

• Periods of identity exploration related to gender, sexuality, culture, or personal values

• Social isolation, friendship changes, or difficulty building community

• Feeling “stuck” or unmotivated despite external success

• Managing decision fatigue or burnout from constant expectations

• Increased anxiety, self-doubt, or imposter syndrome in professional or academic settings

• Dealing with pressure to “have it all figured out” by a certain age

Therapy modalities include:

• Skills-based individual therapy

• Stress-management techniques

• Decision-making and adjustment tools

• Guided practice for coping with real-time stress

• Psychoeducation around change and resilience

Even positive changes can be destabilizing. Therapy during life transitions helps clients build structure, regulate stress, and move forward with clarity and purpose.

Sessions are offered both in person and via secure telehealth, depending on client preference and availability.

If you or someone you know could benefit from skills-based support for emotional regulation or guidance during periods of life transition, reach out today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Valadka.