Is Ikigai Seeds a registered NDIS provider?

Ikigai Seeds is not currently listed as a registered NDIS provider on the NDIS Commission register. They may still support plan-managed or self-managed NDIS participants — contact them to confirm.

What services does Ikigai Seeds provide?

Ikigai Seeds provides Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Psychology and Behavioural Support.

Which areas does Ikigai Seeds cover?

Ikigai Seeds is based in Thornbury, VIC.

How do I connect with Ikigai Seeds?

You can visit their website, or send an enquiry through EarlyBloom — it goes straight to the provider and is always free for families.

What ages does Ikigai Seeds work with?

Ikigai Seeds works with children and adolescents from approximately 4 years old through young adults, with specific group programs tailored to age ranges including 4-7 years, 8-10 years, 11-13 years, and 14-17 years, plus transition and young adult groups.

Do I need a referral to see a speech pathologist?

No referral is needed to see one privately. You only need a GP referral if you want to access Medicare rebates or are going through certain funded pathways.

Is speech therapy covered by the NDIS?

It can be, usually under Capacity Building / Improved Daily Living, if it aligns with your child's plan goals. Check your plan or ask your support coordinator.

At what age should we see a speech pathologist?

There's no "too early." If you have concerns about your child's talking or understanding at any age, an assessment can clarify whether support would help.

How long are sessions and how many will we need?

Sessions are typically 30-60 minutes. The number depends on your child's goals; the pathologist will recommend a plan after the initial assessment.

Ikigai Seeds · Speech Therapy · Thornbury, VIC

What Ikigai helps with

Psychology & Counselling

Assessment and therapy provided by a registered psychologist to support mental health, emotional wellbeing and behaviour. Psychologists work across the lifespan — helping children, adolescents and adults understand and manage challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma and learning differences.

Art Therapy

A creative therapy in which drawing, painting and other art-making processes are used to help children and adults explore emotions, reduce anxiety and process difficult experiences. No artistic ability is required — the focus is on the process, not the product.

Occupational Therapy

A therapy that helps children and adults develop the everyday skills needed for daily life — from dressing, writing and play to sensory processing and school participation. Occupational therapists assess what is getting in the way and design practical strategies to build independence and confidence.

Speech Therapy

Assessment and treatment of communication difficulties including speech sounds, language development, stuttering, voice, and feeding and swallowing. Speech pathologists work with children and adults to help them communicate clearly and confidently.

Social Work

Practical and emotional support that helps families navigate services, funding, school and home challenges, connecting you to the right resources and advocating for your child.

Music Therapy

A registered Allied Health profession that uses music-based activities — such as singing, instrument playing and songwriting — to support communication, social, emotional and physical goals. Music therapy is effective for children and adults with a wide range of developmental, neurological and mental health conditions.

Dance and Movement Therapy

Expressive and creative dance and movement therapy services.

Psychodrama

Expressive and creative psychodrama services.

Play Therapy

A therapeutic approach where children express and process emotions, experiences and difficulties through play — their natural language. A play therapist creates a safe space where the child leads and works through challenges at their own pace.

Social Skills Groups

Therapy and group programs that teach children and young people the skills needed to interact effectively with others — such as turn-taking, reading social cues, making conversation and managing conflict. Often delivered in small groups to allow real-life practice with peers.

Lego Therapy

Group therapy using Lego as a therapeutic tool.

Mindfulness Groups

Mindfulness-based group programs.

Family Therapy

Therapy that works with the whole family — or key members — to improve communication, resolve conflict and strengthen relationships. It recognises that difficulties often affect and are affected by family dynamics, and works on shared patterns rather than focusing on one individual alone.

Mediation

Mediation services.

School Transition Programs

Transition support groups for primary school and high school.

Specialist Therapy Groups

Specific therapy groups addressing anxiety, depression, grief, ASD, and LGBTQIA+ support.

Cooking Lessons

Cooking lessons and cooking-based therapy groups.

Art and Crafts Lessons

Art and crafts lessons.

Parent Support Groups

Support groups for parents.

Executive Function Support

Executive function therapy groups.

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.

Ikigai Seeds

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About Ikigai Seeds