- 20 years' experience
- Holistic person-centered care
- Helps with stress and anxiety
About Kristi
Dr. Kristi Hottenstein is a licensed professional counselor with two decades of clinical experience. She holds a doctorate in higher education administration, a master’s in counseling, and a background in sociology. Dr. Hottenstein runs her private practice in Michigan and brings a practical, person-focused style to support people through stress and anxiety as well as many life transitions.
She works with individuals, couples, and teens, and also offers college selection coaching. Her approach is holistic and tailored - she avoids one-size-fits-all solutions and looks at each person’s situation as unique. Sessions focus on increasing self-awareness and helping clients take responsibility for the steps they choose.
Her methods draw from several evidence-informed approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Client-Centered Therapy. These are used to help people manage symptoms, clarify values, and develop actionable coping strategies for everyday life.
Dr. Hottenstein has served in professional roles beyond clinical practice, including board appointment work within a state mental health counselors association. That experience informs her understanding of systems, resources, and community supports that can matter in recovery and growth.
People who connect well with her tend to want practical tools and thoughtful reflection. Sessions typically balance skill-building with reflective conversation, aiming to make progress between meetings as well as during them.
She works with individuals, couples, and teens, and also offers college selection coaching. Her approach is holistic and tailored - she avoids one-size-fits-all solutions and looks at each person’s situation as unique. Sessions focus on increasing self-awareness and helping clients take responsibility for the steps they choose.
Her methods draw from several evidence-informed approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Client-Centered Therapy. These are used to help people manage symptoms, clarify values, and develop actionable coping strategies for everyday life.
Dr. Hottenstein has served in professional roles beyond clinical practice, including board appointment work within a state mental health counselors association. That experience informs her understanding of systems, resources, and community supports that can matter in recovery and growth.
People who connect well with her tend to want practical tools and thoughtful reflection. Sessions typically balance skill-building with reflective conversation, aiming to make progress between meetings as well as during them.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
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
Credentials
Michigan, Texas, Arizona, California, New Jersey, Virginia
Languages
English
Therapeutic approaches and working online
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on helping people clarify their values and take committed action toward them. It’s useful for stress, anxiety, and life transitions when someone wants to live in line with what matters to them. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and gives practical strategies to change unhelpful patterns. It’s often used for anxiety, depression, and sleep or eating issues. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes an empathetic, nonjudgmental relationship where the therapist follows the client’s lead to build insight and confidence.Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and what feels most helpful, then try methods that fit the person’s needs. That collaborative process allows adjustments over time rather than locking into a single technique up front.
Session format details should be confirmed before booking. Please check current session options to know what is offered. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into busy lives, avoid travel time, and schedule shorter check-ins when needed. It can also let someone continue care during life transitions or when rearranging other commitments, while the therapist helps translate therapeutic techniques into everyday routines.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she help address?
She works with a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and intimacy issues, grief, addictions, sleep and eating issues, ADHD, and coping with life changes.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her style is practical and person-centered, mixing skill-building with reflective conversation. Sessions aim to increase self-awareness and produce steps clients can try between meetings.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has about 20 years of experience as a licensed professional counselor, practicing in Michigan since 2009 and running a private practice.
What credentials and regional licensure does she hold?
She holds LPC and LPCC credentials and practices in Michigan.
Which languages are available for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are costs handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.