Dr. Kristi Hottenstein

Dr. Kristi Hottenstein has been a licensed professional counselor since 2009. 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. Kristi runs Compass Counseling & Coaching, PLLC in Michigan and served on the Michigan Mental Health Counselors Association board in 2021.

Her approach is practical and client-focused. She views each person as unique and builds a plan that fits their life. Sessions emphasize self-awareness and taking responsibility for change. The style is collaborative and straightforward.

Kristi uses a mix of well-known therapy methods to match what each person needs. She often draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Client-Centered techniques along with other approaches when helpful. This lets her address things like stress, anxiety, depression, and anger in different ways.

Her work covers a wide range of concerns, including relationship strain, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, eating and sleeping issues, parenting stress, career questions, ADHD, and coping with life changes. She also lists additional focuses such as abandonment, attachment issues, body image, chronic illness, and caregiver stress.

Sessions aim to help people gain clarity, build useful skills, and make changes that stick. Prospective clients should use the Start Therapy flow to match and schedule according to therapist availability.

Therapeutic approaches and online care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice their thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, then commit to actions that match their values. It can be useful for anxiety, stress, and anger when someone wants clearer priorities. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) breaks problems into patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches practical skills to change them, often helping with depression, anxiety, and sleep problems. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on a respectful, nonjudgmental relationship where the therapist listens closely and supports the person's own goals and insights.

Choosing the right approach is a joint process. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and what has or hasn't helped before. Together they decide which methods to try and adjust them over time based on progress and feedback.

Confirm current online session options before booking, as formats are not specified here. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It also makes it possible to meet with licensed professionals from different locations while keeping the focus on practical skills and real-life changes.