Dialectical Behavior Therapist (DBT) in Venice
Find Balance. Regulate Emotions. Build a Life Worth Living.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is especially helpful for:
• Intense mood swings or emotional overwhelm
• Self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or impulsive behaviors
• Borderline personality traits or diagnosis
• Chronic feelings of emptiness or self-loathing
• Explosive anger or emotional shutdown
• Relationship chaos, fear of abandonment, or trust issues
• Anxiety, depression, or trauma-related distress
• Teens and young adults navigating big emotional shifts
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a powerful, skills-based therapy designed to help people who experience intense emotions, relationship difficulties, or self-destructive behaviors. Originally developed for individuals with borderline personality disorder, DBT has proven incredibly effective for anyone struggling with emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, or black-and-white thinking.
As a licensed psychotherapist trained in DBT, I help clients build the four core skill sets of this model: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. DBT offers both structure and flexibility, helping you create real change while still honoring where you are right now.
Through a combination of skill-building, self-validation, and behavior change, DBT helps you find a middle path between acceptance and growth. You don’t have to live at the mercy of your emotions. Let’s help you build stability, strength, and a life that feels worth showing up for.
I provide therapy in Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Venice, Marina Del Rey, Culver City, Mar Vista, Playa Del Rey, West Los Angeles, Pacific Palisades, Palms, and Santa Monica.
Are you struggling with intense emotions, unstable relationships, or impulsive behaviors? A Dialectical Behavior Therapist (DBT) can help you build the skills you need to feel more balanced and in control. This approach is especially effective for individuals dealing with mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, and emotional dysregulation. If you live in Venice Beach or the surrounding areas, working with a Dialectical Behavior Therapist (DBT) in Venice Beach could be a practical step forward.
Steven Kilmann, LMFT, offers expert guidance rooted in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) principles. His therapy sessions focus on real-world tools that empower individuals to manage their emotions, set boundaries, and develop a more stable sense of self.
How Does Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Work?
DBT is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that combines acceptance and change strategies. It helps individuals regulate emotions and build healthier relationships.
DBT focuses on four main areas:
Mindfulness – Being present without judgment
Distress Tolerance – Coping with pain in difficult moments
Emotion Regulation – Understanding and adjusting emotional responses
Interpersonal Effectiveness – Navigating social interactions with confidence
Sessions with a Dialectical Behavior Therapist (DBT) may include individual therapy, skills training, and between-session support when needed. Steven Kilmann, LMFT, provides personalized support that reflects each client’s needs, helping them apply DBT principles in everyday life.
Is DBT Right for You?
You might benefit from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in Venice Beach if you:
Experience mood swings or chronic emotional pain
Struggle with self-destructive behavior or suicidal thoughts
Have difficulty maintaining relationships
Live with borderline personality disorder or PTSD
Want to manage stress, anxiety, or anger more effectively
Benefits of Working with a DBT Therapist in Venice
Choosing the right therapist matters. With Steven Kilmann, LMFT, you get someone who is trained, experienced, and committed to helping you thrive.
Here’s what clients gain from DBT sessions:
Practical tools for emotional stability
Healthier communication in personal and work relationships
Greater awareness and control over reactions
Reduced impulsivity and improved decision-making
One client shared during a Google review, "Steven helped me understand my emotions in a way no one else had. DBT gave me the structure I needed, and now I finally feel grounded."
What to Expect from Your First DBT Session
Starting therapy can be overwhelming. Steven Kilmann, LMFT, makes the process simple and approachable.
During the first session, you will:
Share your concerns and therapy goals
Learn the basics of DBT and how it applies to your situation
Start building a treatment plan focused on small, achievable changes
This collaborative process ensures that you feel heard and supported from day one.
Why Clients in Venice Beach Trust Steven Kilmann, LMFT
Steven Kilmann stands out for his calm, focused, and compassionate approach. He doesn’t just teach DBT skills—he helps you apply them to real challenges, whether in relationships, at work, or within yourself.
His practice in Venice Beach is ideal for anyone searching for a qualified Dialectical Behavior Therapist (DBT) in Venice or looking for Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in Venice options rooted in evidence and experience.
How DBT Fits into Your Broader Mental Health Journey
Many clients combine DBT with other therapies depending on their needs. For example, someone managing grief or substance use might benefit from exploring:
Grief therapy options
Substance abuse counseling
This integrated approach can deepen results and ensure long-term growth.
Common Questions About DBT
1. How long does DBT take to show results? Most people begin to see progress in a few weeks. Full programs may last several months depending on your goals and needs.
2. Is DBT only for serious mental health conditions? No. DBT benefits anyone who wants to improve emotional regulation and relationship skills.
3. Do I need to commit to group therapy? Not always. Many clients work 1:1 with Steven Kilmann, LMFT, although DBT group sessions may be recommended as part of treatment.
Taking the Next Step
DBT can be life-changing if you’re ready to shift from emotional chaos to emotional clarity. If you live in or near Venice Beach, working with a skilled Dialectical Behavior Therapist (DBT) in Venice Beach, like Steven Kilmann, LMFT, can help you move forward with confidence.
Call or email today to learn more or to schedule your first session.
