Ikigai Seeds

Get to know Ikigai Seeds

From Ikigai Seeds's website.

• Our approach

  At Ikigai Seeds, therapy is built on integrating a tailored therapeutic framework to support human growth and help each child reach their maximum potential. Sessions combine a range of evidence-based approaches including expressive and art therapy, play, counselling, and mindfulness, all designed to foster development of body, mind, social and spiritual wellbeing. The clinic works with children and adolescents on a wide range of presentations, using mediums like spontaneous play, building bricks, art and craft, music, and conversations to match individual needs. Sessions are conducted in a warm, collaborative space that prioritizes safety, respect and kindness, helping young people develop emotional awareness, social skills, resilience and self-esteem. The underlying philosophy is rooted in the Japanese concept of Ikigai—finding one's purpose and reason for being—from which authentic human development can emerge.

• Working with families

  Parents and carers are central to the therapeutic process at Ikigai Seeds. They are actively involved from the start through the initial intake form and first appointment, where the therapist gathers detailed family and developmental history, discusses the child's needs and goals collaboratively, and ensures the whole family unit is aligned. Throughout treatment, therapists provide feedback and recommendations at the end of each session and review goals at the end of each term, making any necessary adjustments. The clinic also runs dedicated Parents Support Groups to provide guidance and connection. For individual and group work, the therapist consistently works in collaboration with families, schools and other external professionals to create a cohesive support network. At the end of the year, a detailed report can be provided summarizing the program, feedback and further recommendations for school and family.

• Meet the team

  The team is led by Dámaris Rey, Ikigai Seeds Director and a Licentiate Psychologist with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and a Postgraduate Specialist Degree in Expressive Therapies and Interdisciplinary Art Therapy, plus training in Systemic Family Therapy. She is registered as a counsellor by the Australian Counselling Association and as a creative art therapist by ANZACATA, with over a decade of therapeutic practice working with diverse clients and currently undertaking a double Master's in child development and ASD. Cira Mozos is a Psychotherapist, registered Counsellor and Social Worker trained in evidence-based interventions including Transpersonal and Experiential Psychotherapy, mindfulness and acceptance-based approaches, and emotionally focused therapy. She is also a lead facilitator in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. Both therapists work collaboratively with families, schools and external professionals, and offer multilingual services in English, Spanish, Catalan, Macedonian and Galician.

• Your first visit

  The first appointment is an approximately one-hour initial assessment with a parent or carer (or with the child/adolescent if already enrolled) to create a comfortable, safe and collaborative relationship. During this time, the therapist gets to know your family, gathers clinical history, and learns about your child's development, relationships, personality, likes, dislikes, behaviours and emotions. The session includes discussing your child's strengths and main goals, understanding any trauma, allergies, medical issues, phobias or sensory sensitivities to put safety plans in place, and answering any questions about the program. For child or adolescent clients, a separate 30-minute pre-group assessment follows so the child can establish first contact with the therapist, be assessed across different skills to find the best group fit, explore the space, and reduce anxiety before the actual group starts. This thorough approach ensures everyone involved—family, school, clinic and client—is aligned and prepared.