Perfectionism and High Achievers Therapist in Venice
Let Go of Pressure. Redefine Success. Thrive Without Burning Out.
In our therapy sessions, we will work on:
• Finding the roots of perfectionism and overachievement
• Challenging black-and-white thinking and fear of failure
• Managing imposter syndrome and chronic self-doubt
• Softening the inner critic and cultivating self-compassion
• Setting boundaries with work, people, and expectations
• Embracing rest, joy, and imperfection without guilt
On the outside, you may look like you have it all together—driven, accomplished, constantly reaching for the next goal. But on the inside, perfectionism can leave you feeling anxious, inadequate, or like it’s never enough. The fear of failure, the pressure to please, and the harsh inner critic can quietly take a toll on your joy, health, and relationships.
As a therapist who works with high achievers, I help ambitious individuals move from performance-based self-worth to a more grounded, fulfilling sense of self. Because success doesn’t have to come at the cost of your peace.
You can still be driven, passionate, and high-performing—without being at war with yourself. Therapy can help you redefine success on your own terms.
You’re allowed to be a human being, not just a human doing. Let’s create space for both excellence and ease.
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.
Do you feel stuck in a cycle of setting high standards, pushing yourself relentlessly, yet never feeling like it’s enough? A Perfectionism and High Achievers Therapist can help you break that cycle and find a healthier way to succeed.
Steven Kilmann, LMFT, works with high performers who struggle with anxiety, burnout, imposter syndrome, and overcommitment—often hidden behind their polished exteriors. Many of his clients are professionals, entrepreneurs, creatives, and students who have achieved great things but still carry the weight of self-doubt and the fear of failure. This therapy is not about lowering your standards. It’s about helping you live with less stress and more balance.
In this guide, you’ll learn how Perfectionism and High Achievers Therapy in Venice Beach works, who it’s for, and how it can help you regain control, clarity, and confidence.
What is Perfectionism and High Achievers Therapy?
This form of therapy supports people who strive for excellence but often feel overwhelmed, anxious, or dissatisfied. Therapy sessions focus on helping you:
Develop realistic self-expectations
Reduce harsh self-criticism
Navigate fear of failure
Stop tying your worth to your productivity
A Perfectionism and High Achievers Therapist in Venice Beach offers structured, evidence-based tools to support self-awareness and personal growth while maintaining your drive.
Signs You Might Benefit From This Therapy
You may benefit from working with a therapist like Steven Kilmann, LMFT, if you often:
Feel like your best is never good enough
Struggle to relax, even when tasks are done
Procrastinate because you fear not doing something “perfectly”
Experience burnout, even while achieving your goals
Find it hard to ask for help or delegate
Beat yourself up over minor mistakes
Common Challenges Among High Achievers
While many high achievers look successful on the outside, therapy reveals common internal patterns that cause emotional distress. These include:
Over-identification with success: Your self-worth is based on performance.
Imposter syndrome: You fear being “found out” as not good enough.
Burnout cycles: You go through highs of productivity followed by crashes.
Difficulty enjoying success: Accomplishments never feel satisfying.
Therapy can help you notice these patterns early and shift them over time.
What Happens in Therapy with Steven Kilmann, LMFT?
At Steven Kilmann’s practice, therapy is direct, practical, and focused on results. Sessions are individualized and collaborative. You’ll explore:
Where do your perfectionistic thoughts come from
How your upbringing, career, or relationships influence your mindse
New ways to set goals, give yourself credit, and create work-life balance
Steven works with clients using proven methods like CBT and ACT, helping them shift out of unhelpful mental loops. He combines a warm, understanding approach with strategic insights that high achievers appreciate.
You can also explore related services such as individual therapy for anxiety or therapy for burnout, depending on your current needs.
Benefits of Working With a Perfectionist and High-Achieving Therapist
Clients who commit to therapy often report:
Increased self-confidence without arrogance
Improved focus and efficiency
Healthier work-life boundaries
Decreased anxiety and tension
Better sleep and energy
Greater satisfaction with achievements
This therapy doesn’t take away your ambition—it makes it sustainable.
Why Choose Steven Kilmann, LMFT?
Steven is a Perfectionism and High Achievers Therapist Venice professionals trust. He understands the unique pressures that come with high standards. His Venice Beach practice offers both in-person and virtual sessions for convenience.
Clients appreciate Steven’s grounded, honest approach. He knows how to hold space for your success while helping you let go of the perfectionism that holds you back.
What to Expect from Perfectionism Therapy in Venice Beach
You can expect:
Weekly 50-minute sessions
Actionable strategies to try between sessions
A judgment-free space to explore your goals and stressors
Gradual change that leads to lasting shifts in how you relate to yourself
If you’re tired of feeling like nothing you do is ever enough—even when others see you as successful—working with a Perfectionism and High Achievers Therapist in Venice Beach could be the change you need.
Take the Next Step
Perfectionism may have brought you far, but it doesn’t have to control your life. Therapy with Steven Kilmann, LMFT, can help you feel more grounded, present, and fulfilled without giving up your ambition.
Explore how therapy can support your growth—without the pressure to be perfect.
