Dr. Kristi Hottenstein , LPC, LPCC

Dr. Kristi Hottenstein brings two decades of counseling experience to her work in Michigan. 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. She holds LPC and LPCC credentials and has run a private practice, Compass Counseling & Coaching, PLLC. Her background includes board service with the Michigan Mental Health Counselors Association.

Kristi favors a flexible, person-focused style. She listens first, then tailors techniques to each person’s situation. Sessions aim to build self-awareness and practical skills people can use between meetings. She emphasizes personal responsibility while remaining supportive.

Her work covers a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and intimacy issues, grief, addiction, and LGBT matters. She also supports people facing parenting strain, career transitions, compassion fatigue, ADHD, and eating or sleeping problems. Kristi addresses both emotional crises and longer-term life changes.

Therapeutic approaches include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, cognitive behavioral strategies, dialectical behavior techniques, client-centered practices, and existential perspectives. She mixes methods to fit what a person needs rather than using a single formula.

Sessions are offered in English and are delivered via video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging. Fees vary with location and the subscription model used by the service can be canceled at any time. To begin, a person completes a short matching questionnaire and schedules an appointment based on availability.

How her approaches translate to online care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, then take actions that fit their values. It is useful for anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on identifying unhelpful thought patterns and changing behaviors to reduce symptoms and improve functioning. It often helps with stress, sleep problems, and mood concerns. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes listening, empathy, and creating a respectful space where people feel heard and can clarify their own goals.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. She will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t helped in the past. Then she and the client decide collaboratively which methods to try and adjust them as progress is made.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility. Video sessions allow face-to-face conversation when visual cues matter. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or when someone prefers not to be on camera. Live chat and text-based messaging are useful for brief check-ins, homework support, or when a shorter touchpoint fits into a busy day. These options help people fit therapy into work, family, and life commitments.