BJ. This linked documentary gets a gold star from me.
There are complex layers to anyone's personality, even a sociopath such as Himmler. Sociopaths typically only feel real emotion for those who are close to them and perhaps Himmler needed an inner circle to care about.
Himmler presumably saw practical value independent outside conduit and Kersten provided such a conduit. Himmler would be aware of Heidrich's motivations in seeking a "discussion" with Kersten. The interrupting phone call from Himmler during Heidrich's discussion with Kerstan flagged to Heydrich that that the "discussion" was over.
In assessing at modern day conflicts and frictions we need to remember that an equally complex matrix of personal interactions and motivations sits beside every key player. Khamenei's regime will contain similar paradoxical complexities.
