Somatic Therapist in Venice

Listen to Your Body. Heal Through Sensation. Release What Words Can’t Reach.

In our somatic therapy sessions, we will explore:

    •    Body awareness and mindfulness of physical sensations

    •    Tension patterns, holding, and physical signs of stress

    •    Grounding and resourcing techniques for safety and calm

    •    Breath work, movement, and posture to support regulation

    •    Releasing trauma held in the body via gentle tracking

    •    Connecting emotional experiences and physical responses

    •    Rebuilding trust in your body after trauma

    •    Learning to feel without becoming overwhelmed

Talk therapy is powerful—but sometimes, healing goes deeper than words. Trauma, anxiety, stress, and emotional pain are often stored in the body. Somatic therapy bridges the gap between mind and body, helping you tune into physical sensations, release stored tension, and regulate your nervous system for lasting, embodied healing.

As a somatic therapist, I help clients gently reconnect with their bodies in ways that feel safe, empowering, and deeply restorative. Whether you’re processing trauma, struggling with anxiety, or feeling disconnected from your physical self, somatic therapy can support healing from the inside out.

Your body remembers—but it can also heal. Somatic therapy offers a way back to safety, presence, and wholeness—one felt moment at a time.  Let’s help you feel more at home in your body—and more at peace in your life.

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're searching for a somatic therapist, you're likely dealing with emotional stress that’s affecting your physical well-being. Somatic therapy is a body-centered approach that helps you process unresolved trauma, anxiety, or chronic stress through awareness of bodily sensations. It focuses on how your body holds onto emotional pain—and how releasing that tension can lead to healing.

Steven Kilmann, LMFT is a somatic therapist in Venice Beach with years of experience helping individuals reconnect with themselves through a grounded and practical approach to therapy. Whether you’re feeling disconnected, stuck in emotional loops, or struggling with the aftereffects of trauma, somatic therapy can support your path forward.

This page answers the most common questions about somatic therapy, how it works, and what to expect when working with Steven Kilmann in Venice.

What is Somatic Therapy?

Somatic therapy focuses on the connection between mind and body. Unlike traditional talk therapy, this approach helps you tune into how your body stores stress, trauma, and emotions. The goal is to develop awareness of your internal physical sensations as a way to release blocked energy and move toward balance.

Core components of somatic therapy include:

  • Tracking body sensations

  • Breathwork and grounding techniques

  • Movement or stillness to process emotion

  • Safe touch (when appropriate and agreed upon)

  • Mindful inquiry into current experiences

Somatic therapy is particularly effective for people who feel “stuck” in therapy or have difficulty putting their feelings into words. It’s not about rehashing old memories—it’s about understanding how those memories are living in your body today.

Who Benefits from Seeing a Somatic Therapist?

Many people choose somatic therapy when traditional methods haven’t helped them move through deeper emotional or physical patterns. It’s especially effective for:

  • Trauma recovery (including PTSD or developmental trauma)

  • Anxiety and panic attacks

  • Chronic stress and burnout

  • Grief and loss

  • Relationship difficulties

  • Depression or emotional numbness

  • People who feel disconnected from their body or emotions

Steven Kilmann, LMFT offers somatic therapy in Venice Beach for clients who are ready to explore how their body can support their healing process. His sessions are designed to be safe, slow, and attuned to your specific needs—no two clients are approached the same way.

What Happens During a Somatic Therapy Session?

Each session is grounded in the present moment. Rather than diving straight into your story, Steven invites you to notice what’s happening in your body. This might be tightness in the chest, heaviness in the shoulders, or a flutter in the stomach.

A typical session may include:

Settling in
 A short check-in to help you land in your body and the space.

Body Awareness Practices
Techniques like breathing or guided sensing to notice where emotion is held physically.

Exploration of Triggers
 Discussing specific issues, while staying connected to bodily sensations.

Integration
 Using movement, grounding, or visualization to support regulation and closure.

Sessions move at your pace. If something feels intense, Steven will guide you to stay within a “window of tolerance”—the range in which you can process emotions without becoming overwhelmed or numb.

Why Choose Steven Kilmann, LMFT for Somatic Therapy in Venice Beach?

Steven is a licensed marriage and family therapist who brings years of clinical and somatic training to his work. His approach is calm, intuitive, and rooted in nervous system science. He works with adults of all backgrounds who are ready to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and heal in a body-based way.

Clients often share how his presence feels steady and grounded. They leave sessions with more awareness, self-trust, and the ability to regulate emotions—skills that build over time.

To learn more about his experience supporting grief, trauma, and addiction recovery, visit his therapy services page.

Is Somatic Therapy Right for You?

Here are a few signs that somatic therapy might be a good fit:

  • You feel emotionally stuck or overwhelmed

  • You’ve tried talk therapy but want a more body-based approach

  • You want to process trauma without diving deep into every detail

  • You have physical symptoms related to stress or anxiety

  • You’re ready to explore your inner world gently and consistently

Somatic therapy is not about forcing change. It’s about listening closely—to your body, your boundaries, and what you’re ready to feel.

What Clients Say

Real feedback from Google reviews:

“Steven helped me feel safe enough to finally listen to my body instead of ignoring it. The sessions are gentle but deep. I’m not the same person I was when I started—more present, more alive.”

“I’d tried so many types of therapy before this. Somatic therapy with Steven was the first time I felt like my whole self was being seen and supported.”

If you’re looking for a somatic therapist in Venice Beach who values authenticity, presence, and real healing—this is the place to begin.

How to Get Started

Getting started with Steven Kilmann, LMFT is easy:

Book a consultation
Reach out through the contact page to schedule a free phone consultation.

Explore your needs
Talk about your goals, questions, or hesitations before committing.

Begin your journey
 Schedule your first session and start at a pace that feels right for you.

You can also explore related services such as addiction therapy in Venice Beach or grief support therapy if you’re working through more specific challenges.

Key Takeaways

  • Somatic therapy uses the body to process and release stored emotions.

  • It is helpful for trauma, anxiety, stress, and disconnection.

  • Steven Kilmann, LMFT offers somatic therapy in Venice Beach, supporting healing through grounded presence and body awareness.

  • Sessions are paced to your comfort, rooted in safety, and focused on long-term transformation.