Dr. Kristi Hottenstein, LPC, LPCC - Therapist in Michigan

ACT and CBT
DBT skills
College coaching

About Kristi

Dr. Kristi Hottenstein is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) practicing in Michigan with 20 years of experience. She works with people facing stress, anxiety, relationship and family concerns, and a broad range of life challenges including grief, trauma, addiction, and ADHD.

She trained in counseling and holds a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Toledo and a master’s in Counseling from the University of La Verne. Dr. Hottenstein also runs Compass Counseling & Coaching, PLLC, and has served on the Michigan Mental Health Counselors Association board.

Her style is straightforward and practical. She draws on multiple methods to match what a person needs in the moment. Sessions include conversations that build self-awareness and help people notice patterns in their thoughts, feelings, and behavior.

Dr. Hottenstein uses approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and Existential Therapy. She encourages responsibility for choices and supports people as they practice new ways of responding to stressful situations.

People who prefer clear, direct work that focuses on skills and real-life changes often find this approach a good fit. She offers coaching for college selection alongside counseling and works with individuals, couples, and teens.

Therapeutic approaches and how they work online

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on helping people notice their thoughts and values, then take actions that align with what matters to them despite uncomfortable feelings. It can help with anxiety, avoidance, and decisions about next steps. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) teaches practical tools to test and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, often using specific exercises for anxiety, sleep, and mood. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) provides skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and clearer communication when feelings run high.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to choose methods that fit their goals, needs, and day-to-day life. That selection can shift as progress is made and new priorities emerge.

Confirm which session formats are currently offered before booking. Online options can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when a full hour is not needed. They can also allow sessions without being on camera if that helps someone participate. Ask about format details when you schedule so sessions match practical needs and routines.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteem Depression

Also works with

Addictions LGBT Trauma and abuse Grief Intimacy-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 issues Communication problems Control issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDissociationDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgiveness Guilt and shameHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivity Infidelity Isolation / loneliness Jealousy Life purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacks PhobiasPostpartum 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 issues Workplace 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

Listed in

Michigan, Texas, Arizona, California, New Jersey, Virginia

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of issues does she help with?

She works with stress, anxiety, relationship and family concerns, plus grief, trauma, addictions, ADHD, and many related topics.

How would she describe her therapeutic style?

Her style is practical and straightforward, using conversation and skills work to increase self-awareness and change unhelpful patterns.

How much clinical experience does she have?

She has 20 years of experience as a counselor and has been licensed in Michigan since 2009.

What are her credentials and where is she based?

She holds LPC and LPCC credentials and practices in Michigan.

Does she offer sessions in other languages or to international clients?

Sessions are offered in English and she does not accept international clients.

What session formats are available?

Please confirm current session options before booking so you know which formats are offered at the time.

How does payment work?

Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working together?

Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.