- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Relationship and career focus
About Kristi
Dr. Kristi Hottenstein is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) practicing in Michigan with about 20 years of experience. She holds 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. She founded Compass Counseling & Coaching, PLLC and has served on the Michigan Mental Health Counselors Association board.
Dr. Hottenstein focuses on stresses common in early adulthood such as anxiety, relationship problems, self-esteem, and coping with life changes. She also works with concerns like depression, trauma and abuse, addictions, grief, and ADHD. Her practice includes attention to intimacy, career transitions, and issues related to parenting and caregiving.
Her style is based on collaborative conversation and practical skills. Sessions often include noticing what matters to the client, learning tools to respond differently, and trying small changes between meetings. She draws from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and Existential Therapy.
Clients can expect questions about values, current patterns, and small experiments to test new ways of coping. She encourages self-awareness and personal responsibility as parts of change. The work includes reflection, skill practice, and planning for real-life situations.
Dr. Hottenstein’s background in higher education also informs support for college and career decisions. People looking for help with relationship strain, transition after school, or starting a first job often find this practical, skills-focused approach helpful.
Therapeutic approaches and how online sessions can work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying values and taking committed action toward them while learning to live with difficult thoughts and feelings. It can help with anxiety, low motivation, and decisions about college or work. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at patterns of thoughts and behaviors and teaches practical skills to change unhelpful cycles; it is often used for anxiety, depression, and sleep or eating concerns. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers concrete emotion regulation and interpersonal skills for managing intense feelings and improving communication. Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist discusses goals, preferences, and what has or hasn't helped before. Together they decide whether ACT, CBT, DBT, or a mix will be most useful and try approaches in real life to see what fits. The biography does not specify which online session formats are offered, so confirm current options before booking. Many people appreciate online work because it can fit around classes or shifts, allow shorter check-in sessions when needed, and reduce travel time so therapy fits into a busy schedule. Licensed professionals can adapt exercises, worksheets, and behavioral experiments for remote sessions so clients can practice between meetings and track progress in their daily routines.Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
20+ years
Listed in
Michigan, Texas, Arizona, California, New Jersey, Virginia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and intimacy issues, trauma and abuse, addictions, grief, ADHD, and related concerns listed in her specialties.
How would she describe her therapeutic style?
Her approach is conversational and skills-based, mixing practical tools with reflection and values work rather than a single fixed method.
How long has she been practicing?
She has about 20 years of experience as a licensed counselor, practicing in Michigan since 2009.
What credentials and location are listed?
She holds LPC and LPCC credentials and practices in Michigan.
Can people who don't live in the US work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time; sessions are offered in English.
What formats are used for sessions?
The original biography does not list specific session formats; confirm current session options before booking.
How are sessions paid for?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy through BetterHelp is for adults aged 18 and over and is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.