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 serving those 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 all must face and contend with horrible impulses like hatred, rage, envy, jealousy, impure sexuality, to name a few. Feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy plague all of us to some extent. Despite these often entrenched, multi-determined problems, we are nonetheless bound to take responsibility for hurting others, overcome destructive patterns, and learn to bear unavoidable loss and suffering with some dignity. Through all this, the humbling goal is always about growing in love, our God-given command.

I find beauty in the authentic sharing of our deepest pains and longings. People who are hurting and seek help are actually quite beautiful because they are real. And their turning an honest face toward their suffering is a turning away from deception and evil. "Blessed are the poor in spirit…" And I know it is God's Spirit Who is ultimately 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 could never do this work without God's Grace. I feel a special connection with the Lord in my work, and I often feel His Presence leading me. Basically, I realize I'm not alone. I trust in a Providential God, a Father Who loves His children.

Q. How do you integrate the science of psychology with Christian values as a therapist at the Family Counseling Center?

A. 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 principles exalting love, integrity, and internal consistency in our personalities.

Q. What do you say to clients who are not Christian who seek services from you?

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 know that we are 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.