Shasha Kleinsorge, Ph.D.
Biography
Shasha Kleinsorge, Ph.D. holds a Michigan License in Clinical Psychology. She earned her doctoral degree from Michigan State University. She worked as a Post-doctoral Fellow in research and psychotherapy at the University of Michigan's Department of Psychiatry for three years. Her research interests were in unconscious processes, and her therapy training focused on short and long-term psychoanalytic psychotherapy for adults suffering with depression, anxiety, abuse issues, grief and mourning.
Shasha is also an Instructor at Spring Arbor University. She teaches in the Master's Counseling Program and Family Life Programs.
Excerpts from an Interview
Q. Dr. Kleinsorge, how do you find meaning in your work as a psychologist?
A. We are living on this planet for a very short time. I believe the point of our short lives together is to grow in love. In our best moments, we find joy and meaning when we discover the purpose for which we have been created. In some form or another, this always boils down to being a 'drink offering,' serving others in love.
As a psychotherapist, I find meaning in this way of serving others who are hurting. I feel it is an honor to journey with patients who are struggling with their brokenness. Given the fallen nature of humanity, we must face and contend with horrible impulses, like hatred, rage, feelings of worthlessness, envy, jealousy, impure sexuality, to name a few. Despite these often built-in and resistant features, we are nonetheless bound to take responsibility for hurting others, overcoming destructive patterns, and/or learning to bear unavoidable loss and suffering with dignity. Through all this, the humbling goal is always about growing in love, our God-given command.
To me, the authentic sharing of our deepest pains and longings is a beautiful thing as we journey toward healing. People who are hurting and seek help are actually quite beautiful because they are real. And their turning an honest face toward their weaknesses and suffering is a turning away from evil. In a sense, being a psychologist is like being an artist, and I use rational/academic and creative parts of myself to help them see something beautiful also, as the Holy Spirit is called upon to be the Healer.
Q. Where do you find the strength to deal with other people's pain and suffering you encounter daily?
A. Prayer and other spiritual disciplines are important to me on a daily basis. I rely on constant Grace to support, guide, and comfort me during the challenging times. I feel a special connection with the Lord in my work, and I often feel His Presence leading me.
Q. How do you integrate the science of psychology with Christian values as a therapist at the Family Counseling Center?
A. I believe that Christ is the Lord of psychology. How can it be otherwise since He is the Lord of the Universe? The best of the science of psychology can only be gleaned because God granted the desire for right knowledge and truth and wisdom in the hearts of men and women. That is why it should not come as a surprise that all the major contributions in psychotherapy are consistent with Biblical principals exalting love, honesty, and integrity.
Q. What do you say to clients who are not Christian who seek services from you?
A. My own psychoanalyst never said a word about Christ during my several years of treatment. Nonetheless, tremendous healing took place, as he loved me through his empathy, skill, and dedication to the healing process. Therefore, it was his genuine care through which the Holy Spirit ministered to me. At our most basic core, I feel we all want the same thing: to feel loved and to know that what we have to offer others is worthy. To me, God's children are the same, all in need of acceptance, empathy, and the best psychology has to offer.