Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Vimmi Jaggi. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Vimmi thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the best advice you ever gave to a client? How did they benefit / what was the result? (Please note this response is for education/entertainment purposes only and shouldn’t be construed as advice for the reader)
My work with my clients—whom I often refer to as my patients—has been an incredibly intimate and meaningful journey. As a therapist, I find immense joy in working with individuals who are deeply committed to their healing process and who aspire to live their lives to their fullest potential. What many don’t realize is that therapy is a two-way street: we therapists learn just as much from our patients as they learn from us. Every person brings their unique perspective, and in the process, we grow together. One of the key supports I offer my patients is the reminder of their inherent strengths. While we may recognize our strengths intellectually, emotionally, it can be much more difficult to truly believe in them. This is especially true for those who have faced trauma, as their emotional resilience may feel tested.
I specialize in working with South Asian immigrants and their descendants, especially those who have experienced trauma, and those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. Many of my patients carry the weight of cultural trauma, as well as other forms of suffering related to identity, race, and society’s perceptions. It’s not uncommon for survivors of such trauma to feel as though the world is against them, or to adopt the belief that everyone is out to get them. While societal challenges—especially those related to race and culture—are real and undeniable, the work we do in therapy helps to reconnect with inner strengths. This connection is essential for navigating the pressures of the world and dealing with the struggles that come from facing societal rejection.
I particularly enjoy working with individuals who are open to exploring the complex ways in which culture, community, and multiple intersecting identities impact mental health. The individuals I work with are often ready to delve into how these elements shape their lives and their emotional well-being. When my patients are prepared to examine and transform old, maladaptive patterns—patterns that may have been passed down through generations—they are primed to break free from intergenerational traumas. This process becomes immensely rewarding, as we work together to foster healing and growth.
The patients I serve are those who are ready to take actionable steps toward living fully in the present moment. They are individuals who are willing to engage in the challenging, yet ultimately rewarding, journey of self-discovery and personal growth. If you are someone who is actively breaking cycles of trauma and seeking to heal while integrating your authentic self, I invite you to join me on this transformative path. Together, we can build a future that reflects your true potential and empowers you to live a life that is aligned with your deepest values and aspirations.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Welcome to *Digging Deep Within*. My name is Vimmi Jaggi, and I am a licensed clinical social worker and trauma specialist. I chose the name “Digging Deep Within” because true growth—whether personal, professional, or relational—begins with a deep understanding of oneself. Without this profound self-awareness, we remain confined by our limitations instead of harnessing our strengths to build a fulfilling and meaningful life.
The journey of digging deep within is neither easy nor linear. It requires courage, integrity, kindness toward oneself and others, and a genuine connection. In my practice, I work with patients to help them embrace their authentic selves, practice self-compassion, and form meaningful connections with others from a place of true identity. One of the hardest yet most transformative lessons I’ve learned is the importance of being kind to myself. This process involves accepting my imperfections, holding myself accountable, and exploring the world with honesty and authenticity.
My journey into psychotherapy was something I consider serendipitous. I began as a counselor for homeless teenagers in Hollywood, later earning certification in substance abuse counseling, which eventually led me to the Master of Social Work program at USC. Looking back, I often feel that this path was predestined—I simply needed to embrace it. As an immigrant, a queer individual, and a woman with many intersecting identities, I am uniquely positioned to offer support and create a safe space for my patients, loved ones, and myself.
External factors such as stress, trauma, and systemic issues—including childhood abuse, intimate partner violence, and the ongoing racial, social, and anti-LGBTQ+ traumas we face—can take a significant toll on our well-being. These experiences often manifest as fatigue, sadness, anxiety, and other symptoms that can prevent us from living fully. Acknowledging these symptoms is the first step toward seeking trauma-informed, nonjudgmental support to address their root causes.
In my practice, I help patients reflect on and learn from the cultural, generational, or situational patterns that may contribute to their challenges. Whether these patterns are inherited or newly formed, they can lead to feelings of being stuck. Through therapy, we work together to address and break these maladaptive cycles with courage, kindness, and integrity. In this collaborative process, we create a space for sharing, processing, and developing healthier ways of living.
By learning to love ourselves and extending gentle compassion to ourselves and others, we can overcome our past experiences and foster growth. There is always hope. I look forward to working with you to uncover that hope and make empowering choices that lead to a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
In both my personal and professional life, integrity, courage, and kindness are the core values that guide me. Life’s diverse experiences—whether good, bad, ugly, or beautiful—can often make it difficult to consistently align with these values. To navigate this, I have developed a practice that I’m deeply proud of, which I call the “Cognitive Triangle.”
The Cognitive Triangle serves as a cornerstone of my work with patients. It’s a framework designed to help individuals explore and deepen their connection to their own integrity, courage, and kindness. This practice didn’t emerge in isolation; it is grounded in my personal growth, insights gained from others in the field, and my professional experiences. As I continue to expand my knowledge, particularly in trauma therapy, I’m excited to integrate and share these new insights with my patients.
At the heart of the Cognitive Triangle is the understanding of the interconnectedness between the body, mind, and heart. Authentic healing requires that we give attention to all three areas. Without this balance, it becomes challenging to cultivate true kindness, courage, and self-integration. Each part of us—our thoughts, emotions, and physical state—plays a vital role in how we navigate the world and respond to challenges.
Drawing from my background as a yoga teacher, I place particular emphasis on the body component of the Cognitive Triangle. Yoga has been instrumental in helping me slow down, regulate my heart rate, and stay grounded in the present moment. In a world that often feels overwhelming, this practice allows me to create space for stillness and presence. It’s through this holistic approach that true healing and growth can take root.
If this approach resonates with you, I invite you to explore more about my work by visiting my website at www.vimmijaggi.com. I would be honored to hold space for you and guide you through the transformative process of the Cognitive Triangle. Together, we can explore how to integrate these core qualities into your own life and work towards a more compassionate, courageous, and fulfilling existence.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
The lesson I learned from society, culture, and my community was how deeply ingrained biases shape our perceptions and actions. Growing up, I witnessed how people often relied on fixed beliefs or stereotypes about themselves and others, and how these biases influenced their decisions and interactions. Over time, I realized that survival in such a society meant constantly grappling with these biases. But rather than accepting them as facts, I made it a point to challenge them. Every day, I question these biases within myself, reflecting on their origins and whether they hold any truth. I hold the space for the same with my patients for them to live with more integrity, kindness and authenticity.
This practice has become a cornerstone of my personal and professional life. I encourage my patients to do the same — to step back from assumptions and to challenge their own biases. It’s not easy, but it’s essential for growth and understanding. After all, the world we live in is not simply divided into black and white; there are countless shades of gray. Life is never just all or nothing, and when we allow ourselves to think in these extreme terms, we end up missing the nuances that make life so rich and meaningful. When we overgeneralize or oversimplify situations, we overlook the depth of human experiences, and this can prevent us from truly appreciating the complexity and beauty of life. By questioning our biases, we open ourselves up to seeing the world in a more holistic, compassionate way, allowing us to live with greater awareness and empathy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vimmijaggi.com
- Instagram: @diggingdeepwithin
Image Credits
Logo design by Beverly Hsu
Photos by self