Dr. Kristi Hottenstein, LPC, LPCC
Compassionate Michigan counselor and coach
- LPC LPCC clinician
- Individuals couples teens
- ACT CBT DBT approaches
About Dr. Kristi Hottenstein
Dr. Kristi Hottenstein is a Michigan-based licensed counselor and coach who combines clinical training with a holistic view of personal growth. She has been a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Michigan since 2009 and also holds the LPCC credential - Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor - reflecting advanced clinical preparation. She is the practitioner and owner of Compass Counseling & Coaching, PLLC, and has been active in the professional community as a member of the Michigan Mental Health Counselors Association, including a board appointment in 2021.
Her academic background includes a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Toledo, a master’s degree in Counseling from the University of La Verne, and a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Alma College. Dr. Hottenstein offers counseling for individuals, couples, and teens, and she also provides college selection coaching to support young people and families navigating academic transitions.
She favors a personalized, flexible approach because no two people present the same needs. Using a variety of counseling techniques, she promotes self-awareness and helps clients accept responsibility for their choices as part of moving forward. Her work addresses stress, anxiety, relationships, family dynamics, self-esteem, depression, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy concerns, eating and sleeping challenges, parenting, career issues, ADHD, and related areas, with attention to each person’s unique life story and goals.
Her academic background includes a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Toledo, a master’s degree in Counseling from the University of La Verne, and a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Alma College. Dr. Hottenstein offers counseling for individuals, couples, and teens, and she also provides college selection coaching to support young people and families navigating academic transitions.
She favors a personalized, flexible approach because no two people present the same needs. Using a variety of counseling techniques, she promotes self-awareness and helps clients accept responsibility for their choices as part of moving forward. Her work addresses stress, anxiety, relationships, family dynamics, self-esteem, depression, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy concerns, eating and sleeping challenges, parenting, career issues, ADHD, and related areas, with attention to each person’s unique life story and goals.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
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 Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Existential Therapy Gottman Method Mindfulness Therapy Narrative Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy Internal Family Systems
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Dr. Kristi Hottenstein have?
Dr. Kristi Hottenstein has 20 years of experience.
Is Dr. Kristi Hottenstein a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds the credentials LPC and LPCC. License details are MI LPC 6401010570 and CA LPCC 11514.
In which languages does Dr. Kristi Hottenstein provide therapy?
Dr. Kristi Hottenstein provides therapy in English.
Where is Dr. Kristi Hottenstein located?
Dr. Kristi Hottenstein is located in Michigan.
How can I work with Dr. Kristi Hottenstein as my therapist?
Clients can work with Dr. Kristi Hottenstein through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Dr. Kristi Hottenstein work with international clients?
Dr. Kristi Hottenstein does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Dr. Kristi Hottenstein cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as location and availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started is quick and straightforward. Prospective clients can click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match them with a therapist. Depending on availability, the first session can then be scheduled and may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care
Dr. Kristi Hottenstein draws from several evidence-informed approaches to tailor treatment to each person. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice thoughts and feelings without being driven by them, build clarity around values, and take meaningful action - it can be useful for anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathy, active listening, and the client’s own capacity for growth, supporting people who need a collaborative, nonjudgmental space to explore relationships, self-esteem, and identity. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, which can benefit stress, mood concerns, and many day-to-day coping challenges.Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Dr. Hottenstein works collaboratively with clients to determine which combination of methods best fits their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the plan as progress unfolds.
Online therapy offers practical flexibility for this collaborative work. Through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, licensed professionals and therapists can provide regular support without requiring travel, accommodate busy schedules, and maintain continuity of care during life changes. These options make it easier to access consistent therapy while tailoring session types and frequency to what works best for the individual.
Ready to start therapy with Dr. Kristi Hottenstein?
Take the first step toward a better you.