Spiritual Trauma & Recovery Therapist in Venice
Heal the Wounds Faith Left Behind. Reclaim Connection on Your Terms.
In our therapy sessions, we will explore:
• Naming and validating the impact of spiritual abuse or religious harm
• Processing guilt, shame, fear, or grief tied to spiritual experiences
• Healing from gaslighting, fear-based teachings, or moral control
• Rebuilding trust in yourself, your intuition, and your voice
• Exploring identity outside of past belief systems
• Making peace with complex feelings with faith, God, or community
• Creating new meaning, boundaries, or spiritual practices (if desired)
• Navigating relationships with family and friends tied to old beliefs
Spiritual trauma can come from experiences where religion, faith, or spiritual authority was used to control, shame, silence, or harm you. Whether it’s from a rigid upbringing, a high-control group, purity culture, religious abuse, or exclusion due to identity, these wounds often run deep. They don’t just shake your beliefs—they can damage your sense of self, safety, and belonging.
As a licensed psychotherapist and former medical doctor trained in trauma-informed and spiritually-sensitive care, I help individuals recover from spiritual trauma by holding space for grief, anger, and confusion—while supporting you in rediscovering your inner wisdom and personal truth.
You don’t have to throw away your soul to heal from spiritual pain. And you don’t have to go back to what hurt you to feel whole again. Let’s help you reclaim your spiritual freedom—whether that means rediscovery, reinvention, or release.
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.
Spiritual trauma and recovery therapist services are essential for those who feel lost, betrayed, or harmed in the name of religion or spiritual belief. Many individuals carry invisible wounds from experiences tied to faith communities, religious leaders, or spiritual practices. These wounds can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, guilt, or even a crisis of identity. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone — and healing is possible.
At Steven Kilmann, LMFT, we offer compassionate, professional care for those seeking spiritual trauma and recovery therapy in Venice Beach. This therapy helps individuals explore and process harmful spiritual experiences and rebuild their inner sense of peace and self-worth.
What is Spiritual Trauma?
Spiritual trauma occurs when a person’s core beliefs are used against them or when they are emotionally, mentally, or physically harmed in a religious or spiritual setting.
This trauma can arise from:
Abusive religious institutions or leaders
High-control or cult-like environments
Rejection due to sexual orientation or identity
Spiritual manipulation or coercion
Fear-based belief systems that cause guilt or shame
Common Signs of Spiritual Trauma
Many people are unaware that their distress is connected to spiritual harm. Here are a few signs that spiritual trauma might be affecting your well-being:
Anxiety or panic linked to religious settings or discussions
Nightmares or intrusive memories about past religious experiences
Deep feelings of guilt or shame, even when no wrongdoing occurred
Fear of punishment or abandonment by a higher power
Struggles with self-worth or identity
How Spiritual Trauma and Recovery Therapy Helps
Spiritual trauma and recovery therapy offers a supportive environment to explore difficult experiences without judgment. As a licensed Spiritual Trauma and Recovery Therapist in Venice Beach, Steven Kilmann helps clients safely work through emotional pain while honoring their personal beliefs.
Therapy goals may include:
Understanding and validating your experiences
Rebuilding trust in yourself and others
Developing healthy boundaries with religious or spiritual communities
Finding meaning and connection beyond trauma
Restoring emotional and psychological safety
Why Choose Steven Kilmann, LMFT
Steven Kilmann brings years of clinical experience to his work with clients experiencing spiritual trauma. His approach is grounded, practical, and client-centered.
What makes Steven's practice stand out:
Located near Venice Beach, easily accessible for locals
Experienced in trauma-informed care with a spiritual understanding
Comfortable, non-religious environment for healing
Personalized therapy plans tailored to each individual’s history and goals
You don't have to walk through this pain alone. Therapy with Steven offers a path to recovery and wholeness.
Long-Term Benefits of Recovery Therapy
Spiritual trauma recovery isn’t just about addressing the past. It’s about reclaiming your present and building a life rooted in clarity, confidence, and peace.
Clients often report:
Increased self-confidence and clarity about their beliefs
Emotional resilience in the face of spiritual triggers
Freedom from shame-based thinking
Renewed relationships with themselves and others
A deeper connection to personal meaning or spirituality, free of fear
What to Expect in a Session
Sessions are private, client-led, and paced according to your comfort.
You can expect:
A safe, non-judgmental space
Open discussions about your beliefs, doubts, and history
Practical strategies to reduce anxiety and distress
Trauma-informed support, including grounding techniques
Steven may also incorporate mindfulness and evidence-based approaches to help regulate your nervous system and bring calm to your body and mind.
Who This Therapy is For
This therapy is right for you if you’ve experienced:
Abuse or manipulation by religious leaders or groups
Rejection or shame based on spiritual beliefs
Internal conflict between personal identity and spiritual teachings
Chronic anxiety or guilt about “being good enough” spiritually
It’s also helpful for those leaving high-demand religious groups and adjusting to life outside of that framework.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is this different from religious counseling?
Spiritual trauma therapy focuses on your experience, not enforcing any doctrine. The goal is healing, not conversion or adherence to any specific belief system.
Do I need to have a specific religion to seek therapy?
No. Therapy is open to people of all beliefs, backgrounds, or no religion at all.
Is this covered by insurance?
Steven offers concierge therapy services, which means a personalized experience with no insurance restrictions. You may be able to submit receipts for out-of-network reimbursement.
Connecting with Community Resources
As part of his integrative approach, Steven may suggest resources that align with your healing journey. For example, many clients explore further support through our work in addiction recovery or neurodivergent therapy if those are part of your overall mental health needs.
Take the Next Step
Healing from spiritual trauma is possible. It begins with acknowledgment and the willingness to explore what’s been hurting.
If you are looking for Spiritual Trauma and Recovery Therapy in Venice Beach, or want to speak with a trusted Spiritual Trauma and Recovery Therapist Venice, reach out to Steven Kilmann, LMFT today. You deserve a future free from shame and fear — and filled with self-acceptance and peace.
