The Kahani of: Ragini Jha, Founder of Cardamom Counseling
We’re always looking to connect with individuals from around the world following their passion. While we know the topic of mental health is important to discuss, we wanted to get the perspective - and tell the story of - a counselor who has formally studied psychology, and who is actively practicing. Introducing, Ragini! If you’ve heard of Cardamom Counseling on TikTok, then you are familiar with the oh so sweet (and hilarious) Ragini. We recently chatted with Ragini about her story, her journey with her career and her own mental health, and her views on social media and trending topics we see circulating today. Read on to get a glimpse of our interview - that truly felt like more of a therapy session.
As someone who has grown up and lived in many different places, Ragini is certainly shaped by all that she has seen. Born in India, Ragini moved to the US when she was eight, and has since lived and worked in Cambodia, Singapore, and the UK. Ragini has been working in psychology and the mental health space since she was fifteen - and actually started by being involved with art therapy for children at IIT Delhi. She then continued on to study psychology formally, and took time off to work in the space before acquiring her master’s degree. With training in the US and licensure in the UK, Ragini has conducted mental health research with universities in many different parts of the world. Cross cultural communication and behavioral science research was something that Ragini always exhibited interest in - finding it interesting how people’s minds work, why we behave the way that we do, and how our backgrounds highly influence the way we see the world. While in high school and figuring out her career, Ragini was advised by her teachers to explore psychology.
So off she went to begin her career in cultural relational counseling..
Throughout her career, Ragini’s main goal is to bridge the gap between mental health resources and guidance, with communities she has grown up with and been exposed to. While studying and researching in the US, UK, and India, Ragini was exposed to the cultural differences within Asian minorities, and recognized that Western psychology is often inaccessible or irrelevant for folks within these communities. This pushed her to create safe spaces for South Asian individuals abroad. Not only for the younger generation, but for older individuals too, to work towards breaking intergenerational trauma. As seen online and commonly discussed amongst friends, there are many narratives around South Asian families being toxic, boundary-less, or controlling in some shape of form. While this is true (and in existence amongst all communities), Ragini also aims to shine light on the positive aspects of South Asian communities and families. There are aspects of culture that we can turn to when we’re having a difficult time in life.
Part of this includes unpacking common misconceptions about mental health in the East versus the West. Ragini believes - and we discussed - that on a foundational level Asian folks have a deep understanding of mental health and wellbeing. Whether this is through spirituality, incorporating ayurvedic practices in our lives, there are parts of South Asian culture that are intrinsically working towards improving the quality of our lives through practicing mindfulness and calming our minds. This could be seen in even having a break for chai through the work day - uncles going on walks after meals, or listening to prayers in the beginning of the day. There are many levels between ayurveda and CBT, it’s just a matter of labeling something as “mental health” or “therapy” that causes folks within our communities to resist the topic. The West may be more subtle about misconceptions about mental health, but there is still more work to be done within all communities.
Ragini has a vision with Cardamom Counseling that we are so excited to see come to life. She currently has interns while working on mental health advocacy, and hopes to eventually move into corporate spaces to run workshops on diversity, inclusion, and mental health for various companies. Ragini regularly has clients for talk therapy, and focuses primarily on South Asian clients within the UK, India, and Singapore. We are so confident that Ragini will take Cardamom Counseling, her practice, and her strong belief in the advocacy for mental health incredibly far.
We asked Ragini for a few tips for all of us to incorporate into our daily lives, to improve our mental health, and thus the quality of life! We hope you are able to take these and weave them in your day.
Spend time alone to cultivate yourself. Do things for yourself that make you happy, that calm your mind, that you enjoy. Differentiate between what you inherently love, and what you feel you “should” be doing. For example, “I have to be social because it’s Friday night.” (hint: you don’t)
Find an emotional outlet. Whether this is journaling, exercising, painting, or writing, find some way to release whatever you may be feeling inside. Without these outlets, our emotions pile up subconsciously and affect our physical health as well as our mental health.
Self talk is everything. It seems obvious, but actually listen to what you’re saying about yourself. Whether it’s self deprecating jokes or casual things like, “I missed that email, I’m so dumb”, your brain is always listening!
Always remember that conflict and disagreement are two different things, and can be treated as such. The most valuable people in your life will leave space for you to disagree, without it feeling like a confrontation.
This conversation with Ragini was eye opening, and emotionally releasing for the both of us. Our goal with Kahani is to build a community of individuals like Ragini who are doing work they deeply believe in, while trying to help their community. Many of us didn’t grow up with safe spaces for us to openly (and honestly) discuss topics that are often seen as taboo, or sweeped under the rug. We’re doing what we can to create a space that younger us need.
