Shame and Self-Compassion Therapist in Venice
Let Go of Self-Blame. Embrace Your Humanity. Heal with Kindness.
In our therapy sessions, we will work on:
• Identifying shame-based beliefs and inner narratives
• Healing shame from childhood, trauma, or toxic environments
• Understanding the difference between guilt and shame
• Soothing the inner critic and cultivating self-compassion
• Reconnecting with your worth beyond performance or approval
• Learning to accept your imperfections with grace
• Creating space for forgiveness—of yourself and others
Shame is a powerful and painful emotion. It tells us we’re not good enough, not lovable, or somehow fundamentally flawed. It often hides beneath perfectionism, people-pleasing, self-criticism, or emotional numbing—and it can keep us stuck in silence, isolation, and self-doubt.
But there is a way out—and it starts with compassion.
As a therapist, I help individuals understand the roots of shame and gently replace it with self-understanding, acceptance, and kindness. You don’t need to be “fixed”—you need to be met with empathy and truth.
You are not the worst thing you’ve done, the hardest thing you’ve lived through, or the story shame tells you. You are worthy of love, belonging, and healing.
Let’s help you treat yourself with the same kindness you so easily give to others.
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 overwhelmed by shame and self-criticism? You're not alone. Many individuals grapple with these emotions, which can hinder personal growth and well-being. As a Shame and Self-Compassion Therapist, Steven Kilmann, LMFT, offers a path to healing by fostering self-kindness and understanding.
Understanding Shame
Shame is a powerful emotion that can lead to feelings of unworthiness and isolation. Unlike guilt, which relates to specific actions, shame targets the self, making individuals feel inherently flawed. This emotion can stem from various experiences, including trauma, societal pressures, or personal failures.
The Role of Self-Compassion in Healing
Self-compassion involves treating oneself with the same kindness and understanding one would offer a friend. It comprises three main components:
Self-Kindness: Being gentle and understanding with oneself rather than harshly critical.
Common Humanity: Recognizing that suffering and personal inadequacy are part of the shared human experience.
Mindfulness: Holding painful thoughts and feelings in balanced awareness rather than over-identifying with them.
Research indicates that self-compassion is associated with greater emotional resilience, reduced anxiety and depression, and improved overall well-being.
Therapeutic Approaches
Steven Kilmann employs evidence-based therapies to address shame and cultivate self-compassion:
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): Combines cognitive behavioral techniques with mindfulness strategies to help individuals break the cycle of negative thought patterns.
Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT): Aims to help individuals develop self-compassion to alleviate high levels of shame and self-criticism.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Encourages individuals to accept their thoughts and feelings rather than fighting or feeling guilty for them.
These approaches are tailored to each client's unique needs, ensuring a personalized path to healing.
Benefits of Therapy
Engaging in therapy with a focus on shame and self-compassion can lead to:
Reduced feelings of shame and self-criticism
Enhanced emotional regulation
Improved relationships
Increased self-worth and confidence
Greater overall life satisfaction
About Steven Kilmann, LMFT
Steven Kilmann's journey to becoming a licensed therapist is marked by a deep understanding of human resilience and transformation. After a decade-long career in medicine, Steven pursued his passion for psychology, earning a Master's in Psychology from Antioch University and training at the Southern California Counseling Center. His diverse background enables him to connect with clients on multiple levels, fostering a therapeutic environment grounded in empathy and expertise.
Client Testimonials
Clients have expressed profound transformations through therapy:
"Working with Steven helped me understand and release the shame I've carried for years. I now approach myself with kindness and have seen improvements in all areas of my life."
Begin Your Healing Journey
If you're ready to confront shame and embrace self-compassion, Steven Kilmann, LMFT, is here to support you. Located in Venice Beach, Steven offers a safe and nurturing environment for healing.
Contact Information
Phone: (310) 123-4567
Email: steven@kilmanntherapy.com
Address: 123 Ocean Ave, Venice Beach, CA
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