Therapist Dr. Kristi Hottenstein Photo

Dr. Kristi Hottenstein, LPC, LPCC

Stress, Anxiety Relationships Family conflicts Self esteem, Motivation Depression
Video Phone Live Chat Messaging

About me

Whether you’re experiencing difficult times or new adventures, I’m here to help. I have been a licensed professional counselor in the state of Michigan since 2009. I am the practitioner/owner of Compass Counseling & Coaching, PLLC, a member of the Michigan Mental Health Counselors Association and was appointed to their board in 2021. I have a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Toledo, a masters in Counseling from the University of La Verne and a bachelors in Sociology from Alma College. I provide counseling for individuals, couples, and teens, as well as provide college selection coaching. I have a very holistic approach to counseling because no two people are the same. I see each client as an individual requiring their own unique approach. I use a variety of counseling techniques, encouraging self-awareness and the acceptance of one’s own responsibilities in their personal journey. I believe the more we know ourselves, the better we can respond to situations.

Professional experience

20 yrs in practice
Stress, Anxiety Relationships Family conflicts Self esteem, Motivation Depression

Additional areas of focus: Addictions, LGBT, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Eating disorders, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Anger management, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Coaching, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Abandonment, Adoption and foster care, Aging and geriatric issues, Antisocial personality, Attachment issues, Avoidant personality, Blended family issues, Body image, Cancer, Caregiver issues and stress, Chronic pain, illness, and disability, Co-morbidity, Codependency, Commitment issues, Communication problems, Control issues, Coping with natural or human-caused disaster, Dependent personality, Dissociation, Divorce and separation, Drug and alcohol addiction, Eating and food-related issues, Emptiness, Family of origin issues, Family problems, Fatherhood issues, Fertility issues, First responder issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Hoarding, Hospice and end-of-life counseling, Immigration issues, Impulsivity, Infidelity, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Life purpose, Midlife crisis, Veteran and Armed Forces Issues, Money and financial issues, Narcissism, Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Phobias, Postpartum depression, Post-traumatic stress, Pregnancy and childbirth, Prejudice and discrimination, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-harm, Self-love, Sexual assault and abuse, Social anxiety and phobia, Women's issues, Workplace issues, Young adult issues

Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Existential Therapy, Gottman Method, Mindfulness Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems

Services offered

Video
Phone
Live Chat
Messaging

License information

MI LPC 6401010570

AZ LPC LPC-20541

NJ LPC 37PC00845200

VA LPC 0701015510

CA LPCC 11514

TX LPC 87144

Reviews

These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Dr. Kristi Hottenstein. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.

They are professional, compassionate, and create a safe, supportive space where I feel heard and understood. Their expertise and thoughtful approach have helped me gain valuable insights and develop healthier coping strategies. Over time, I’ve noticed real improvements in my emotional well-being and confidence.

Written on Oct 31, 2025 after therapy with Kristi for 1 year and 8 months on issues concerning compassion fatigue

Dr. Hottenstein is the therapist I have been looking for to help with my depression. She is kind and compassionate and spends more time listening then talking.

Written on Sep 25, 2025 after therapy with Kristi for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, and coping with life changes

This Doctor is Incredible! She has helped me through so many things and process them! Would rate her as a 20 on a scale iof 1-10! Highly, highly recommend her!

Written on Sep 03, 2025 after therapy with Kristi for 1 year and 6 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, and adhd

I have been talking with Kristi for almost 3 years now. And I am so grateful for her help and support. She has gotten me through some extremely rough times in my life. She is always supportive, caring, and gives great advice and ways to cope with stress and depression. She is able to help me feel calm and settled during tough times and is also able to make me smile and laugh. Very thankful for all her help!

Written on Aug 04, 2025 after therapy with Kristi for 2 years and 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, grief, and coping with life changes

Dr. Hottenstein is amazing. She listens and offers a compassionate, non judgmental ear. I always leave our sessions feeling a little better than before and more self assured. She has greatly helped me through my difficult time and I appreciate everything she does for people who need the support. Her feedback at the end of our sessions is so well crafted and articulated and when reading it you feel how much she cares and listens to her patients. I couldn’t recommend her enough.

Written on Jul 25, 2025 after therapy with Kristi for 2 months on issues concerning addictions, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd

Dr. Hottenstein is incredible, very attentive, and provides great feedback and plans for care. Would absolutely recommend 10/10

Written on Apr 21, 2025 after therapy with Kristi for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, intimacy-related issues, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue