Meaning and Purpose Therapist in Venice

When Success Isn’t Enough, and You’re Asking: What Now?

In our therapy sessions, we will explore:

    •    Feeling stuck, restless, or disconnected despite outward success

    •    Clarifying core values and life priorities

    •    Navigating existential questions, crises, or transitions

    •    Exploring spirituality, legacy, or a deeper sense of contribution

    •    Untangling identity from roles, performance, or others’ expectations

    •    Finding purpose after loss, burnout, or major life changes

    •    Reclaiming joy, intention, and presence in daily life

We all reach moments—whether during a crisis, transition, or quiet dissatisfaction—where we start to ask deeper questions: What is all this for? Am I living in alignment with who I really am? Is there something more I’m meant to do? These aren’t signs you’re lost. They’re signs you’re ready.

As a therapist who works with individuals seeking clarity, direction, and fulfillment, I help you explore the big questions of life—not with pressure to “figure it all out,” but with curiosity, depth, and compassion. Together, we reconnect with your values, your voice, and the vision you want to live by.

You don’t have to chase meaning—it’s already within you. Let’s uncover it together.  Let’s help you live not just a full life, but a fulfilled one—on purpose, and with purpose.

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.

Feeling lost, unmotivated, or disconnected is more common than many realize. A Meaning and Purpose Therapist helps individuals uncover clarity, direction, and fulfillment by exploring what gives life personal significance. This kind of therapy is not about fixing something broken — it’s about understanding what matters most and building a life aligned with those values.

At Steven Kilmann, LMFT, our focus is on guiding you through that discovery process. Whether you're questioning your goals, experiencing a life transition, or struggling with emotional emptiness, meaning and purpose therapy offers a structured way to reconnect with your identity and values.

In this article, you’ll learn how this therapy works, who it’s for, and why it’s gaining attention, especially in communities like Venice Beach, where personal growth and mindfulness are deeply valued.

What Is Meaning and Purpose Therapy?

Meaning and Purpose Therapy is a counseling approach that helps people define what gives their lives meaning and how to align with it. The process involves reflecting on your beliefs, life experiences, personal values, and goals, then making choices that reflect those insights.

Key elements of this therapy:

  • Defining your core values

  • Processing emotional roadblocks

  • Setting intention-based goals

  • Making value-driven life decisions

  • Finding peace with past events or unresolved emotions

Who Benefits From Meaning and Purpose Therapy?

This therapy is ideal for people facing:

  • Life transitions – such as job loss, divorce, or aging

  • Emotional burnout – especially from high-pressure careers or caregiving roles

  • Spiritual questions – including doubt, loss of faith, or existential reflection

  • Feeling directionless – when routine feels meaningless or empty

  • Grief or trauma – that has shaken identity or belief systems

Why Work with a Meaning and Purpose Therapist in Venice Beach?

Living in or near Venice Beach often means being surrounded by creative, high-energy, and growth-focused individuals. That also means internal pressure to “figure things out” can feel amplified.

Steven Kilmann, LMFT, a trusted Meaning and Purpose Therapist in Venice Beach, offers a grounded space where you can explore deeper questions away from external judgment or distractions. Many clients find clarity through Steven's structured yet flexible approach, helping them reconnect with motivation, self-trust, and peace.

How Does Therapy Help You Find Purpose?

Here’s how a typical therapy journey unfolds:

1. Self-exploration

You begin by identifying what gives you emotional energy and what drains it. This includes looking at your relationships, career path, daily habits, and personal history.

2. Clarifying values

Your therapist helps you identify what principles you truly care about (not what you think you "should" care about). For example, you might learn that freedom matters more than security or that creativity feels more important than success.

3. Removing inner resistance

Often, we know what we want but are held back by fear, shame, or external pressure. Therapy helps process and release these blocks.

4. Goal alignment

Once your values are clear, we map out steps that reflect those values. This might include making a career change, setting boundaries, or rebuilding relationships.

5. Accountability and support

Sessions continue with check-ins, feedback, and tools to help you stay grounded and connected to your path.

Common Questions About Meaning and Purpose Therapy

Is this the same as life coaching?
 No. While coaching focuses on performance and results, Meaning and Purpose Therapy addresses deeper emotional patterns, unresolved pain, and existential concerns. It’s clinically grounded and therapeutic.

What if I don’t know what I want at all?
 That’s exactly the starting point. You don’t need answers — just a willingness to look inward.

How long does it take to see changes?
 Many people begin to feel a shift in clarity and emotional energy within 4–6 sessions. Deeper change builds with time and consistency.

Success Story

One client came to Steven Kilmann, LMFT, after feeling numb and unmotivated for over a year. A successful executive, they felt like their achievements were meaningless. Through consistent sessions, they rediscovered joy in creativity, reconnected with their family, and shifted careers, without losing financial stability. Therapy didn’t just help them cope; it helped them reconnect with life.

Real-World Application: Why Purpose Matters for Mental Health

Research shows that having a sense of purpose improves mental health, reduces anxiety, and even supports better physical well-being. Purposeful people are more resilient during setbacks and more proactive about health, relationships, and community.

Studies show that people who feel their life has meaning experience lower levels of depression and are more likely to maintain long-term wellbeing. That’s why Meaning and Purpose Therapy in Venice Beach has become a valued service for those looking to sustain emotional health.

What Makes Steven Kilmann, LMFT Different?

  • Experience: Steven has years of practice supporting individuals struggling with depression, life transitions, and identity questions.

  • Venice-based perspective: Local knowledge allows for culturally relevant insight, particularly helpful in navigating creative and unconventional lifestyles.

  • Whole-person focus: Sessions include emotional, psychological, and practical strategies — not just talk therapy.

If you’re also exploring grief therapy or looking for a concierge therapist, you can learn more about those services on the grief therapy page or concierge therapy page.

Getting Started

  • Sessions are available both in-person in Venice Beach and virtually.

  • No referral is required.

  • You’ll start with a 15-minute consultation to see if it's the right fit.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to figure out your purpose alone. If you’re feeling stuck or seeking deeper clarity in your life, working with a Meaning and Purpose Therapist in Venice Beach, like Steven Kilmann, LMFT, can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.