Dr. Kristi Hottenstein

Dr. Kristi Hottenstein is a licensed professional counselor with two decades of experience. She has practiced in Michigan since 2009 and draws on her academic background, which includes a doctorate in higher education administration and a master’s in counseling. Dr. Hottenstein works with people facing stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, grief, and other life challenges. She also supports those dealing with addiction, trauma, parenting strain, and issues around identity and intimacy.

Her approach is flexible and person-centered. She treats each person as an individual and adapts methods to fit their needs. Sessions focus on increasing self-awareness, identifying patterns, and taking practical steps that match a client’s goals.

Dr. Hottenstein uses a mix of evidence-informed methods, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Client-Centered Therapy. She also draws from Dialectical Behavior Therapy and existential ideas when those perspectives fit the situation. Her background includes leadership in professional counseling organizations and running a private practice in Michigan.

People often come for help with life transitions, career stress, mood concerns, parenting challenges, and relationship troubles. She combines talking, skill-building, and coaching-style guidance for college and career planning when needed. The focus is on clear, manageable steps clients can use between sessions.

Her practice works in English. International clients are not accepted. Before booking, confirm the current session options and any practical details that matter to you.

How her approaches guide online work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on helping people clarify their values and take action toward them while learning to sit with difficult thoughts and feelings. It can be useful for anxiety, stress, and life transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches practical skills to shift unhelpful patterns; it is often used for anxiety, depression, and coping strategies. Client-Centered Therapy centers the person’s experience, offering space for reflection and self-directed growth; it supports people who need a nonjudgmental setting to understand their choices and values.

Finding the right approach is part of therapy itself. The therapist will work together with each person to choose methods that fit their goals, preferences, and daily life. That collaborative process helps tailor sessions so they feel useful and relevant rather than one-size-fits-all.

Session formats are not specified in the biography, so please confirm what is currently offered before booking. In general, online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. It also makes it possible to continue regular work on skills between sessions using exercises and coaching-style guidance that translate well to remote conversations.