Annemarie Hitch, LPC: Art Therapy is for Everyone

by Tiffany Todd, LCSW

Art therapy is a unique and powerful approach to healing. By using creative expression, individuals can access emotions, memories, and insights that may be difficult to articulate with words alone. Annemarie Hitch, an experienced art therapist, shares her journey into the field, her philosophy, and how art therapy can benefit anyone—regardless of artistic skill.

IVPC: What drew you to art therapy?

Annemarie Hitch: I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do when I started college, but I was always drawn to art therapy. My education is rooted in art therapy programs, and over time, I also became deeply interested in psychotherapy.

IVPC: Your mother was a social worker for 25 years. Did she inspire your path?

Annemarie Hitch: Absolutely. She was a school social worker, helping families and children access housing, transportation, and medical care. Seeing her work showed me how sometimes people just need a helping hand to get on the right track. That definitely inspired me.

IVPC: What would you like people to know about your expertise?

Annemarie Hitch: My primary expertise is art therapy, and at this point, it feels second nature to me. Art therapy offers a powerful way to express emotions when words fail. It helps people externalize their experiences, make connections, and discover insights they might not have noticed before.

To anyone who’s curious but hesitant, I always say: Art isn’t just for artists—it’s for everyone. Art therapy differs from art education. While some learning may happen, the focus is on the creative process rather than the final product. It’s about what unfolds as you create—not about making something that looks a certain way. If we consider the product at all, it’s to ask, What is this revealing? What am I noticing now that I didn’t before?

IVPC: Are there specific tools or exercises you recommend?

Annemarie Hitch: One technique I use often is externalizing thoughts through visual expression. Instead of letting anxious thoughts ruminate in your mind, writing them down or drawing them can provide clarity. When you see them outside of yourself, they often feel less overwhelming.

Another exercise I love is the body scan. I provide a simple human figure outline and ask clients to mark areas where they feel intense sensations—like a racing heart, headaches, or tingling. This helps externalize emotions and recognize how the body holds experiences.

Art therapy provides so many tools that extend beyond traditional therapy. You don’t have to be an artist to benefit—just open to exploring your emotions in a different way.

IVPC: What can potential clients expect when working with you?

Annemarie Hitch: I take a person-centered approach, especially in the first few sessions. Clients know their stories best, and I want to fully understand who they are and why they’ve come to therapy. As we build rapport, I incorporate directive techniques when appropriate, helping clients take steps toward their goals.

IVPC: What would you say to someone coming to therapy for the first time?

Annemarie Hitch: Therapy is a safe space. It’s natural to feel nervous about sharing things you’ve kept inside for a long time, but here, you don’t have to carry that weight alone.

IVPC: What do you love most about being a therapist?

Annemarie Hitch: I love hearing people’s stories. Humans are so complex and unique. Even on days when I question if I’m making a difference, I remind myself that understanding people’s experiences and walking alongside them in their journey is what drives me.

IVPC: Do you have a personal mantra?

Annemarie Hitch: Balance. Life isn’t about perfection—it’s about finding balance. When we feel out of sync, it’s a cue to reconnect with ourselves and restore that equilibrium. I know firsthand how easy it is to get caught up in the mindset of always needing to be productive. Sometimes, I have to remind myself, You’re starting to get overwhelmed. You need to stop. When I recognize that I’m exhausted, I step back and take a break—unless there’s a true deadline, in which case, I push through for those last few minutes.

Beyond rest, self-care is about doing something that restores you. For me, that’s art. If I go too long without making something just for myself, I feel off balance. That’s why I always carry a small sketchpad. 

IVPC: How do you encourage self-care?

Annemarie Hitch: Self-care is crucial, especially in a culture that glorifies constant productivity. It’s important to listen to your body and recognize when you need rest. One thing I always make time for is creating art for myself. Even a small sketch can be grounding, restorative and affirming.

IVPC: It’s been a pleasure speaking with you. I’m excited to learn more about art therapy from you!

Annemarie Hitch: Thank you! I appreciate the conversation so much.

Interview edited for length and clarity

InnerVoice Psychotherapy and Consultation is located in Chicago, IL and Skokie, IL.

Book with Annemarie here.