New to Grow
Welcome! I’m Dr. Destiny Novakovic, a psychologist based in Ohio. I have years of experience helping children and young adults move from one stage of school to the next. Transitions can bring excitement as well as anxiety, stress, and shifting relationships. I support middle school, high school, and college students in building routines, healthy habits, confidence, motivation, resilience, and success.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
Our first session together is called a diagnostic assessment. During this appointment, I want to learn about you and what led you to schedule a visit. Together, we will talk through strengths, daily routines, developmental history, school experiences, and relationships. We will also discuss any concerns so I can form a clear picture of what is going on. By the end of the assessment, we will determine whether any psychological conditions appear present, whether additional assessments would be helpful, or what the next steps in treatment would be. I provide documentation that summarizes the diagnostic assessment and can assist with forms needed for school or community supports.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
One of my strengths as a psychologist is how I connect with clients. I bring a calm tone, steady presence, and true patience to every interaction. This helps individuals feel comfortable, safe, and understood. My intake process is structured, purposeful, and designed to respect time and needs.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I work with middle school, high school, and college students who are navigating important developmental transitions. Middle schoolers often come in with questions about friendships, identity, motivation, or managing big emotions. High school students may be balancing academic pressure, growing independence, mental health concerns, or the demands of preparing for life after graduation. College students are often adjusting to new freedoms, expectations, and stressors while working to better understand themselves and build healthy routines. Across all ages, I’m a strong fit for students who appreciate clear communication, structure, and collaborative goal-setting. I enjoy supporting young people who want practical strategies, honest guidance, and a space where they can explore challenges without judgment. I partner with each student to create a plan that aligns with their strengths and helps them move toward meaningful change.
Parent-Child Interaction (PCIT)
I am a certified Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) therapist. I regularly incorporate PCIT principles into my sessions. Strengthening the caregiver–child relationship is central to meaningful behavioral change, and I help families build these skills in ways that support connection, regulation, and positive behavior.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I regularly incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) into my work with teens and young adults. CBT helps us understand how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected, and strengthening these skills is foundational for meaningful cognitive and behavioral change. I use developmentally appropriate strategies to help clients build coping skills, challenge unhelpful thoughts, and practice healthier patterns in daily life.
Psychoeducation
Psychoeducation is incorporated into every session. This helps us make meaningful connections between presenting concerns, the activities we complete in session, and how these strategies support treatment goals. I view psychoeducation as an essential part of helping individuals understand what we are working on and why it matters.
Strength-Based
I use a strengths-based approach by helping clients identify their values, character strengths, and abilities. Together, we explore how these strengths can be used in new and meaningful ways to improve well-being and make progress toward treatment goals. This approach builds confidence, resilience, and a clear sense of direction in therapy.