Psychodynamic Therapist in Venice
Understand the Past. Make Sense of the Present. Free Yourself for the Future.
In our psychodynamic therapy sessions, we will explore:
• Early childhood experiences and attachment patterns
• How your past shapes your thoughts, behaviors, and relationships
• Core beliefs, inner conflicts, and emotional defenses
• Repetitive relationship dynamics or self-sabotaging cycles
• Unconscious motivations and unresolved grief
• Identity, self-worth, and emotional expression
Sometimes we repeat patterns in life and relationships without knowing why. Old wounds, unconscious beliefs, and early relational dynamics can quietly shape how we think, feel, and relate—often beneath the surface of our awareness. Psychodynamic therapy is a powerful approach that helps bring those hidden influences into the light, so you can understand yourself more deeply and make lasting change.
As a licensed psychodynamic therapist and former medical doctor, I work collaboratively with you to explore your inner world—your history, emotions, relationships, defenses, and core beliefs. This process isn’t about overanalyzing—it’s about uncovering the “why” behind what you do, so you can live with more freedom, clarity, and authenticity.
You don’t have to stay stuck in old patterns. When you understand your inner world, you gain the power to reshape it. Let’s help you connect the dots—and become the most conscious, grounded version of yourself.
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.
If you’ve ever wondered what a psychodynamic therapist does and whether psychodynamic therapy can help you, you’re not alone. Many people in Venice Beach are exploring deeper ways to understand their behaviors, emotions, and patterns. A psychodynamic therapist works with you to identify unconscious thoughts and early experiences that influence your present-day challenges. By bringing these hidden influences to light, healing becomes possible.
At Steven Kilmann, LMFT, we offer psychodynamic therapy in Venice Beach for individuals ready to explore the “why” behind their thoughts and feelings, not just manage symptoms. This therapy style is not quick-fix counseling. It’s long-term change rooted in self-awareness.
We work with people who want more than surface-level solutions. Whether you struggle with anxiety, relationships, self-doubt, or life direction, psychodynamic therapy provides tools to help you understand and shift deeply ingrained patterns.
What Is Psychodynamic Therapy?
Psychodynamic therapy is a talk-based approach rooted in psychoanalytic traditions. It helps people become aware of unconscious patterns, emotions, and beliefs that shape their behavior.
How it works:
You meet with a licensed psychodynamic therapist.
You explore your personal history, especially childhood and relationships.
The therapist helps identify recurring emotional patterns.
As insights grow, so does your ability to make lasting changes.
This therapy is particularly useful for those who feel stuck, overwhelmed by emotions, or lost in repeated cycles in work, love, or personal identity.
Top Benefits of Psychodynamic Therapy in Venice Beach
Deeper Self-Understanding
Gain insight into long-standing emotional struggles that traditional coping tools may not touch.Improved Relationships
Uncover how past experiences affect how you connect with others today.Lasting Emotional Relief
Rather than only managing symptoms, this approach aims to resolve the root causes of emotional pain.A Safe, Consistent Space
Working with Steven Kilmann, LMFT gives you regular access to an experienced psychodynamic therapist in Venice who helps you explore at your own pace.
Signs Psychodynamic Therapy Might Be Right for You
You feel anxious, depressed, or emotionally numb for long stretches.
You experience repeating conflicts in personal relationships.
You have trouble trusting others or fear being abandoned.
You struggle with low self-worth or inner criticism.
You feel like your emotions don’t match the situation, and you don’t know why.
If this sounds familiar, speaking with a psychodynamic therapist in Venice Beach can provide relief and clarity.
Why Choose Steven Kilmann, LMFT as Your Psychodynamic Therapist?
With decades of experience serving the Venice Beach community, Steven Kilmann, LMFT combines psychodynamic principles with a supportive, non-judgmental presence. His work is grounded in understanding the inner workings of the mind, especially how early experiences affect how we live today.
Clients appreciate Steven’s ability to connect calmly and guide without pressure. His sessions are flexible but structured, offering both freedom to explore and professional insight.
One client shared in a verified Google review:
"Steven helped me connect dots I didn’t even know existed. After just a few months, my relationships started to shift in a healthier direction."
You can read more about his approach to therapy on the Substance Abuse Therapy page, where emotional triggers and early trauma often intersect.
What to Expect in a Session
Psychodynamic therapy sessions are usually 50 minutes, once a week. At Steven Kilmann, LMFT, the pace is guided by your comfort. There’s no pressure to "fix" things fast. Instead, we move at the speed of real understanding.
Expect sessions to include:
Open conversation about your thoughts and feelings
Gentle exploration of past experiences
A focus on patterns that show up in your relationships
Space for silence, reflection, and emotional expression
There’s no worksheet or checklist—just conversation that reveals meaning over time.
Psychodynamic Therapy vs. Other Modalities
Therapy Type
Psychodynamic Therapy
CBT
Solution-Focused
Focus
Unconscious patterns and past events
Present thoughts and behaviors
Quick resolutions
Approach
Reflective and insight-based
Directive and structured
Goal-driven
Many clients who try brief therapy approaches come to psychodynamic therapy looking for deeper, more enduring change.
For example, clients who began with grief therapy often find that psychodynamic sessions help them unpack long-held feelings beyond the surface experience of loss.
Is Psychodynamic Therapy Right for Everyone?
This approach is best for people who are:
Curious about their emotions and inner life
Willing to reflect and explore openly
Seeking change that’s meaningful and sustainable
Ready to work through personal challenges in depth
It may not be ideal for someone in immediate crisis who needs short-term stabilization. In that case, more solution-based therapy might be recommended at first.
How to Get Started with a Psychodynamic Therapist in Venice Beach
Reaching out is the first step. At Steven Kilmann, LMFT, we offer a free 15-minute consultation to help you decide if psychodynamic therapy is a fit for your needs.
Whether you're new to therapy or returning after a break, our focus is to create a safe space where your emotional experience is taken seriously.
You don’t need to have the “right” words. You just need the willingness to show up.
