- 20 years experience
- Holistic collaborative style
- Works with individuals
About Kristi
Dr. Kristi Hottenstein is a licensed professional counselor (LPC, LPCC) based in Michigan with 20 years of clinical experience. She opened Compass Counseling & Coaching, PLLC and combines clinical work with college selection coaching. She meets people where they are and helps them find practical ways to move forward.
She trained in counseling and higher education administration, holding a doctorate from the University of Toledo, a master's in Counseling from the University of La Verne, and a bachelor's in Sociology from Alma College. Her long practice has included individual and couple work, and she also supports teens in counseling conversations.
Her approach is holistic and collaborative. Sessions focus on developing self-awareness, clarifying values, and identifying small steps that fit daily life. She mixes techniques from several therapeutic approaches to match each person's needs.
People come to her for many concerns, including stress, anxiety, relationship and intimacy issues, depression, grief, addictions, ADHD, eating and sleeping problems, and career transitions. She also works with concerns such as caregiver stress, body image, chronic illness, and adoption or foster care related topics.
Dr. Hottenstein emphasizes personal responsibility and practical tools. She encourages clients to try simple skills between sessions and to reflect on what helps them most. Her aim is steady progress rather than quick fixes.
How her therapeutic approaches translate to online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice what matters most to them and take actions that match those values. It focuses on making room for difficult thoughts while still moving toward chosen goals. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts influence feelings and behavior and teaches practical skills to change unhelpful patterns. These approaches are often used when addressing anxiety, depression, stress, or problems with sleep and eating.Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will talk with each person about goals and preferences and suggest methods that fit those needs. That collaboration guides which techniques are emphasized in sessions and which skills are practiced between meetings.
The original profile does not list specific online session formats, so please confirm which formats are available before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It also lets people use skills in real time and bring current concerns into the session for immediate discussion.
Areas of focus
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she address?
She helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship and intimacy issues, addictions, ADHD, and related concerns such as body image, chronic illness, and caregiver stress.
What is her therapy style like?
Her style is collaborative and practical. She focuses on self-awareness, values, and small steps clients can use between sessions.
How long has she been practicing?
She has worked in counseling for 20 years and has run Compass Counseling & Coaching, PLLC as a practicing clinician and owner.
What credentials and location apply to her practice?
She holds LPC and LPCC credentials and practices in Michigan. Her academic background includes a doctorate, a master’s in Counseling, and a bachelor’s in Sociology.
Are sessions available in other languages or internationally?
Sessions are offered in English and she is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are used?
The original profile does not list specific session formats; please confirm current session options with the service before booking.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Choose the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.