Mindfulness-Based Therapist in Venice

Slow Down. Tune In. Find Peace in the Present.

In our therapy sessions, we will explore:

    •    Breath work and grounding methods to calm the nervous system

    •    Mindful awareness of thoughts, emotions, and sensations

    •    Identifying and observing negative thought patterns

    •    Cultivating self-compassion and non-reactivity

    •    Using mindfulness to manage anxiety and depression

    •    Practicing presence in relationships, decisions, and daily life

    •    Integrating mindfulness with other modalities (CBT, ACT, DBT)

    •    Developing a sustainable mindfulness practice that fits your lifestyle

In a world that moves fast and demands constant productivity, it’s easy to live in your head—worrying about the future, replaying the past, and feeling disconnected from the present moment. Mindfulness-Based Therapy helps you step out of autopilot and into awareness, so you can respond to life with clarity, calm, and compassion.

As a licensed psychotherapist and former medical doctor trained in mindfulness-based approaches, I guide clients in using present-moment awareness as a tool for emotional healing and mental wellness. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, or simply feeling overwhelmed, mindfulness can help you develop a more grounded, peaceful relationship with your thoughts, emotions, and body.

Mindfulness isn’t about “emptying your mind”—it’s about coming home to it, with kindness and intention.  Let’s help you slow down, tune in, and discover the healing power of simply being present.

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.

A mindfulness-based therapist helps you reduce stress, improve emotional balance, and break negative thought patterns by teaching practical, evidence-based techniques rooted in present moment awareness. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck in harmful cycles, mindfulness therapy offers a way to reconnect with yourself without judgment.

At Steven Kilmann, LMFT, we specialize in mindfulness-based therapy in Venice Beach, working with clients who are ready to create more space between their thoughts and reactions. This approach is particularly helpful for managing anxiety, depression, addiction, and trauma. You don’t need to change who you are—just learn to relate to your thoughts and feelings in a new, healthier way.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

  • What mindfulness-based therapy is

  • Who does it work best for

  • What to expect during sessions

  • Why choose a mindfulness-based therapist in Venice Beach can offer additional benefits

Whether you’re new to therapy or seeking a fresh approach, this guide can help you make a more informed decision.

What Is Mindfulness-Based Therapy?

Mindfulness-based therapy is a type of talk therapy that combines cognitive behavioral techniques with practices like breathing, body scans, and meditation.

The goal is simple: help you become more aware of your thoughts and reactions, without being consumed by them.

Key components include:

  • Breath awareness: Calming the nervous system by focusing on the breath.

  • Body scanning: Tuning into physical sensations to identify stress and tension.

  • Cognitive work: Learning to observe thoughts instead of reacting impulsively.

This therapy can stand alone or complement other forms, like EMDR or addiction counseling. At Steven Kilmann, LMFT, many clients integrate mindfulness work alongside trauma-informed care.

Who Benefits from a Mindfulness-Based Therapist?

You don’t need to be spiritual or into meditation. This method is practical and results-driven. It's especially useful for:

  1. High-achieving professionals experiencing burnout

  2. Individuals in addiction recovery

  3. People with anxiety, panic, or racing thoughts

  4. Those struggling with emotional regulation

  5. Clients recovering from trauma or grief

Mindfulness helps you stop reacting out of habit and start choosing how you respond.

Clients who also work with us for porn addiction, alcohol abuse, or relationship stress often report better emotional control after adding mindfulness tools.

Why Choose a Mindfulness-Based Therapist in Venice Beach?

Venice Beach is more than just a location—it’s a setting that supports healing.

Our therapy sessions can integrate walking meditations, breathwork, or grounding techniques using the natural environment. The area’s laid-back atmosphere supports the calming focus that mindfulness therapy promotes.

If you live in the West LA area, seeing a mindfulness-based therapist in Venice Beach offers convenient access to both in-person support and digital options. This flexibility is ideal for busy clients balancing work, relationships, and personal growth.

What to Expect During Sessions

Here’s what a typical mindfulness-based therapy session looks like at Steven Kilmann, LMFT:

  • A check-in to understand your emotional state and current challenges

  • A short mindfulness practice (breathing, observation, or visualization)

  • Talk therapy focused on real-time patterns of thought or behavior

  • Practical tools to apply outside of the session

Over time, many clients say they start responding differently in situations that used to trigger them. They feel calmer, less reactive, and more in control.

We also offer support for grief and neurodivergence, where mindfulness provides structure and grounding without requiring forced emotional expression.

Benefits of Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Research-backed benefits include:

  • Reduced anxiety and depression

  • Better concentration

  • Improved sleep

  • Decreased emotional reactivity

  • Enhanced resilience in stressful situations

At Steven Kilmann, LMFT, we’ve helped clients manage social anxiety, obsessive thinking, and even chronic pain—all by helping them become more present.

How Long Does It Take to See Results?

While every client is different, many notice changes within 4–6 sessions. Some stay longer for deeper work, especially if they’re also addressing trauma, addiction, or long-standing relationship issues.

We’ve designed our mindfulness-based therapy programs to be accessible and efficient. Whether you’re committing to weekly sessions or starting biweekly, progress happens when you engage consistently.

For those needing more structure, we also offer concierge therapy options.

Why Work With Steven Kilmann, LMFT?

Steven brings over a decade of clinical experience blending evidence-based modalities with mindfulness and compassion-based techniques. Clients appreciate his grounded presence, straightforward communication, and ability to make mindfulness feel practical.

Steven is also a substance abuse therapist and has worked extensively with people navigating addiction and recovery. For many of his clients, mindfulness-based work becomes the cornerstone of long-term healing.

Explore how mindfulness supports recovery in our drug addiction therapist program, or learn more about our grief therapy offerings.

Common Questions

How is this different from meditation?

Mindfulness-based therapy uses mindfulness as a tool during talk therapy. It’s not just silent meditation—it’s an interactive process with support, reflection, and accountability.

Is it evidence-based?

Yes. Studies show that mindfulness-based approaches reduce relapse rates for depression and anxiety and improve long-term emotional regulation.

Can I do this if I’m new to therapy?

Absolutely. Mindfulness is often a great entry point because it doesn’t require diving deep right away. You’ll build awareness first, which makes deeper work easier later.

Take the Next Step

If you’re looking for a calm, grounded way to address anxiety, overwhelm, or emotional stress, working with a mindfulness-based therapist in Venice can be life-changing.

Reach out to Steven Kilmann, LMFT, to see how mindfulness-based therapy can help you slow down, reflect clearly, and live with more ease—even in high-stress situations.