Dr. Kristi Hottenstein has practiced as a licensed professional counselor since 2009. She holds a doctorate in higher education administration and masters and bachelors degrees in counseling and sociology. Dr. Hottenstein leads Compass Counseling & Coaching, PLLC in Michigan and has served on the Michigan Mental Health Counselors Association board.
Her approach treats each person as an individual. She combines different counseling tools to match a person's needs. Sessions emphasize self-awareness and accepting responsibility for next steps in life.
Dr. Hottenstein helps people with stress, anxiety, self esteem, depression, relationship concerns, grief, trauma and addiction issues. She also works on intimacy-related struggles, sleep and eating problems, parenting strain, career questions, and coping with life changes.
Over two decades of practice inform a practical style. She uses techniques from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Client-Centered and Existential approaches. That lets her focus on skills, values, and everyday choices rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.
Clients can expect a collaborative tone in sessions. The therapist asks questions, listens closely, and offers tools to try between visits. The goal is clearer self-knowledge and workable steps toward the changes people want.
For parents reading on a phone, the initial step is simple: choose a time, answer a short questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability. Confirm current session options before booking to match your needs.
Therapeutic approaches and how they translate online
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying values and taking small, meaningful steps toward them while learning to accept difficult thoughts and feelings. It can help with stress, anxiety, self esteem, and coping with life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and behavior and teaches practical skills to change unhelpful patterns, which is useful for anxiety, depression, sleep and eating concerns. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes listening, empathy, and supporting a person's own capacity to find direction, which can be especially helpful when someone feels stuck or unsure of next steps.
Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist collaborates with each person to identify what fits their goals, preferences, and daily life. That means trying tools, checking what helps, and adjusting the plan over time rather than assuming one method up front.
Session formats are not specified here, so confirm current online options before booking. Online work can make scheduling easier, help fit sessions into a busy day, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. Many people find skills practice, values work, and cognitive tools translate well to remote sessions, and the therapist will help match methods to what you want to accomplish.
AddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDissociationDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Existential TherapyGottman MethodMindfulness TherapyNarrative TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems
Experience
20+ years
Credentials
Michigan, Texas, Arizona, California, New Jersey, Virginia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does this therapist address?
She helps with stress, anxiety, self esteem, depression, relationship issues, grief, trauma, addictions, intimacy concerns, eating and sleeping problems, parenting strain, career transition, ADHD, and related concerns.
What is the general therapy style and approach?
Sessions are collaborative and practical. The therapist mixes techniques to fit each person and emphasizes self-awareness and actionable steps.
How much experience does the therapist have?
She has about 20 years of clinical experience, practicing as a licensed professional counselor in Michigan since 2009.
What credentials and location should I know about?
The therapist holds LPC and LPCC credentials and practices in Michigan.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with this therapist?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are session formats arranged?
Specific session formats are not listed here, so please confirm current options before booking.
How does cost and starting therapy work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and uses a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To begin, select the continue button on this profile, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.
