Sexual Avoidance and Anxiety Therapist in Venice
Ease the Fear. Heal the Disconnect. Reclaim Pleasure Without Pressure.
In our sex therapy sessions, we will explore:
• Understanding the causes of sexual anxiety or avoidance
• Healing sexual trauma, shame, and negative experiences
• Reducing performance pressure and fear of rejection
• Rebuilding emotional and physical safety with a partner
• Exploring body image, identity, and internalized beliefs
• Communicating clearly and compassionately about sex
• Learning to enjoy physical intimacy without or fear
• Redefining sex in a way that feels safe and empowering
Sex is supposed to be a space for connection and intimacy—but when anxiety or avoidance takes over, it can feel like a source of tension, fear, or even dread. Whether you’re avoiding sex due to past trauma, performance anxiety, body image issues, or emotional disconnection, it can take a toll on your self-esteem, your relationship, and your sense of wholeness.
As a licensed psychotherapist and former medical doctor, I help individuals and couples gently unpack the emotional layers behind sexual avoidance, so they can reconnect with their bodies, their partners, and their own capacity for pleasure—at their own pace, and with deep respect.
You don’t have to force yourself to feel ready. You deserve healing that honors where you are. Let’s help you replace anxiety with understanding—and avoidance with connection.
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 discomfort, fear, or stress around intimacy or physical closeness? These issues are more common than people think, but many avoid seeking help. Working with a Sexual Avoidance and Anxiety Therapist can be the first step toward creating healthier, more connected relationships and feeling comfortable in your own body again.
Steven Kilmann, LMFT, is an experienced therapist offering specialized Sexual Avoidance and Anxiety Therapy in Venice Beach. His practice is built on helping individuals address the emotional and psychological blocks that impact sexual expression, intimacy, and overall quality of life. This content answers the critical question: How can therapy help if I have anxiety or avoid sex altogether?
What Is Sexual Avoidance and Anxiety?
Sexual avoidance and anxiety involve persistent fear, discomfort, or avoidance of sexual activity, even when the desire is present. This is not about low libido or lack of interest—it’s about fear, shame, trauma, or emotional tension getting in the way.
Common causes include:
Past sexual trauma or abuse
Shame or guilt around sexuality
Religious or cultural conditioning
Relationship issues or communication problems
Performance anxiety or body image concerns
These issues may lead to distancing from partners, relationship stress, and low self-esteem. A trained therapist like Steven Kilmann, LMFT, helps clients understand the roots of their anxiety and gradually reclaim confidence.
What Does a Sexual Avoidance and Anxiety Therapist Do?
A therapist who specializes in this area provides a safe, nonjudgmental space for you to explore these issues.
Key therapy goals:
Identify the source of anxiety or avoidance
Develop a deeper understanding of your sexual identity and values
Work through emotional or relational trauma
Learn communication and boundary-setting skills
Explore somatic tools to regulate nervous system responses
Therapy is personalized. There’s no script. Steven Kilmann, LMFT, tailors his approach to your personal needs, history, and relationship dynamics.
How Sexual Avoidance and Anxiety Therapy in Venice Beach Works
Step-by-step approach at Steven Kilmann’s practice:
Initial Consultation
A private conversation to understand your history, symptoms, and goals.Creating a Treatment Plan
You’ll receive a clear outline of how therapy will help, including any trauma-informed techniques that may be used.Ongoing Therapy Sessions
Weekly or bi-weekly sessions that help you build comfort, process deeper emotional blocks, and develop new patterns.Progress Evaluation
Periodic check-ins to adjust the approach, celebrate wins, and address challenges.Sustaining Growth
Long-term support and maintenance strategies to help you carry your growth into daily life and relationships.
Signs You Might Benefit from Sexual Avoidance and Anxiety Therapy
You don’t have to be in a relationship to seek help. Therapy is beneficial for anyone experiencing:
Intimacy-related panic or distress
Feeling “shut down” emotionally or physically
Avoiding touch, sex, or emotional closeness
Guilt or shame around sexuality
Problems with arousal, desire, or trust
Difficulty discussing sex with a partner
Steven Kilmann, LMFT offers discreet, professional support right from his Venice Beach therapy office, welcoming individuals of all identities and backgrounds.
Real Benefits of Working with a Specialist
While many therapists are generalists, a Sexual Avoidance and Anxiety Therapist in Venice brings nuanced knowledge of how sexual dynamics intersect with trauma, stress, neurobiology, and relationships.
Clients often report:
Increased self-trust
Reconnection with their bodies
Healthier relationships
Improved communication
Relief from shame or fear
As you gain insight and self-compassion, intimacy stops feeling like a source of stress and starts becoming a part of connection again.
Therapy Designed for Your Pace
Steven Kilmann’s approach is collaborative, not directive. You're never pushed into anything. Therapy is about your pace and your comfort.
Some clients start with conversations about identity, others begin by unpacking trauma or relational wounds. In many cases, clients gradually reconnect with physical and emotional intimacy over time.
The process is never rushed.
Why Choose Steven Kilmann, LMFT?
Steven’s work is grounded in years of experience in addiction recovery, neurodivergent support, and relationship counseling. He integrates attachment theory, somatic techniques, and narrative therapy to help clients safely explore and heal.
If you're looking for Sexual Avoidance and Anxiety Therapy in Venice Beach, his private practice offers:
A welcoming, inclusive environment
Experience with trauma-sensitive care
Confidential, flexible scheduling
Online and in-person sessions
His services also extend to clients looking for a concierge therapist in Venice, offering personalized support for those with busy lifestyles or specific privacy needs.
Internal Link Example 1: For those also managing substance-related challenges, learn more about Steven’s substance abuse therapy services.
Internal Link Example 2: If past grief or loss plays a role in your intimacy struggles, explore grief therapy support.
Your Next Step
Sexual avoidance doesn’t define who you are. It’s a symptom—and it can change. You don’t have to stay stuck in a cycle of fear or shame.
A professional, experienced Sexual Avoidance and Anxiety Therapist like Steven Kilmann can help you feel safer in your body, more confident in your relationships, and free to explore healthy intimacy again.
If you’ve been wondering whether therapy might help—this is your sign to start.
