Meet Ann-Marie

I help people transition from overwhelmed & isolated to nurtured & authentically joyful.

I'm Ann-Marie Kilpatrick, owner of Western North Carolina Art Therapy and Counseling. I provide Art Therapy and Counseling services for adults and adolescents in Western North Carolina in Asheville, NC.

The hardest part of the counseling journey is the first step! Welcome. The fact that you've come this far in your search speaks to your bravery! I specialize in helping people overcome trauma & panic. My supportive approach aims to assist you in building resiliency & connecting you to joy. As a trauma-informed Certified EMDR Licensed Counselor & Board Certified Art Therapist, I'm trained to help people reduce shame & express themselves effectively. I'll confidently guide you in navigating change, identifying inner resources, & creating growth. I'm committed to your healing. Who says you can't have fun too?!

I love the work of holding difficult truths & believing in better days ahead-even when you can't yet! I support people going through major transitions, at periods of extreme anxiety & stress, and coping with trauma/ severe panic/ OCD/ or trichotillomania because "I've never met a strong person with an easy past." I believe everyone has a creative outlet they lean toward in order to enjoy life. (art, music, writing, acting, dancing, etc.) When your creative outlet isn't utilized, it produces stagnation & "blocks."

You can expect an inviting, individual experience when you enter my office. I'm committed to building confidence in your ability to feel whole. I believe in your ability to build resiliency. My practice is designed to feel welcoming & confidential; connecting you to your own authentic spirit by identifying your strengths & successes. I'd like to support you in creating smiles again.

I have a combined 14 years of clinical experience as a Child and Family Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Board Certified Registered Art Therapist, and Certified EMDR clinician. I truly LOVE my job and know I am doing exactly what I am supposed to be doing.  

I studied Psychology, Art, and Business at Appalachian State University & received my Masters in Counseling and Expressive Therapies at University of Louisville. I am happy to know my purpose has value in the community I serve. 

I use a trauma-informed integrative approach to counseling and draw upon my training interests of Motivational Interviewing, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Mindfulness, and Art Therapy with those that work with me. I've worked in 3 hospitals, an eating disorder residential treatment center, community and school based counseling, and started my private practice in 2014. 

When I'm not working in my practice, I'm attempting to "practice what I preach." I find balance in spending time making art, reading, spending time with my family and friends, exercising, learning new things, building my skills for my practice, and taking time to be quiet too.  (Oh…and traveling...LOTS of traveling! I've been to 5 of 7 continents. I have serious wanderlust and I'm always daydreaming of where to go next. "I haven't been everywhere, but it's on my list!")

See you soon! (Don't be nervous. My office is a comfortable space to visit!) Whether with me, or someone else, I truly want to help you find the help you're looking for!