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LPC, LPCC

Dr. Kristi Hottenstein, LPC, LPCC

  • Experience20 years
  • LocationMichigan
  • Focus areasStress and Anxiety, Relationship, and Family
  • Therapy approachesInternal Family Systems and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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About Kristi

Dr. Kristi Hottenstein brings two decades of counseling experience and a background in higher education to her practice in Michigan.

Background and approach

She earned a doctorate in higher education administration 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.

Licensed as an LPC and an LPCC, she launched Compass Counseling & Coaching, PLLC and has served in the Michigan Mental Health Counselors Association, including a 2021 board appointment. Her work blends practical tools and reflective exploration to address concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and intimacy issues, trauma and abuse, addictions, ADHD, grief, and life transitions.

She combines Internal Family Systems with evidence-based methods like CBT, ACT, and DBT, tailoring interventions to each person’s needs. Dr.

Hottenstein also offers coaching around college selection and supports clients facing caregiving stress, chronic illness, body image, and communication difficulties. Clients can expect a collaborative, holistic orientation that emphasizes self-awareness, personal responsibility, and individualized strategies.

She frames therapy as a process of learning how different parts of oneself interact and developing practical coping skills to navigate change and build more satisfying relationships.

Integrating therapeutic approaches for online care

Dr. Hottenstein blends Internal Family Systems and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to guide online work. Internal Family Systems explores how different parts of a person relate and seeks greater self-leadership, which can help with internal conflict, trauma responses, and relationship dynamics. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy focuses on clarifying personal values and building psychological flexibility through mindfulness and committed action, useful for anxiety, depression, and life transitions.

Finding the right fit is part of the therapeutic process; she collaborates with clients to select methods that match their goals, preferences, and needs. That collaborative stance means approaches may be combined or adjusted over time as progress and challenges become clearer.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to increase flexibility and access. These options make it easier to schedule consistent work around busy lives, support continuity during transitions, and maintain momentum between live conversations through messaging tools.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Dr. Hottenstein commonly address?
She works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and intimacy matters, trauma and abuse, addictions, ADHD, grief, and life changes. Additional focus areas include caregiver stress, chronic illness, body image, and communication problems.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her approach is holistic and individualized, blending reflective, client-centered exploration with practical techniques from evidence-based therapies. She emphasizes self-awareness and collaboration to tailor interventions to each person.
How much professional experience does she have?
She has practiced as a licensed counselor since 2009 and brings 20 years of experience in counseling and coaching work.
What credentials and location are listed for this therapist?
She holds LPC and LPCC credentials and is based in Michigan. License details include MI LPC 6401010570 and CA LPCC 11514.
Does she offer services in other languages or to international clients?
Services are offered in English only, and she is not currently accepting international clients.
Which session formats are available for working together?
Clients may connect by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on availability and preference.
How is cost and scheduling handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time. Exact pricing depends on the client’s location and the therapist’s current schedule.
What are the first steps to begin therapy?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling a session according to the therapist’s availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression

Also works with

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

Licensed

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

Languages

English