About Us
Melissa Byrnes Occupational Therapy is an early intervention paediatric private practice which opened in 2022.
Melissa is a registered Occupational Therapist with over 17 years experience working in the field of paediatrics both in the private and public sector. Passionate about helping children to achieve their potential, Melissa has a strong family centred approach. She has extensive experience in working with children of all ages and levels of ability.
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Being a Mum to two young children has allowed her therapy style to develop to encompass the reality of family life. She believes in providing practical strategies to support children in their home and school environment to develop their skills and reach their goals.
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Melissa has a thorough understanding of early intervention and the importance of the ‘team’ around the child to support best outcomes. She has extensive experience working alongside psychologists, speech pathologists, physiotherapists, teachers and other medical professionals to ensure a coordinated approach to care.
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She is committed to providing high quality, evidence based care to her clients. She has completed the following professional development.
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· Cognitive Orientation to Daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP)
· Circle of Security (COS)
· DIR Floortime- Stage 1 and 2
· Picky Eaters vs Problem Feeders: SOS Approach to Feeding
· Play and Literacy. Learn to Play
· Addressing Rest and Sleep from an Occupational Perspective
· Making SENSE of Mealtimes
· Making Sense of the SENSES
· Zones of Regulation
· How Does your Engine Run (Alert Program)
· Occupational Performance Coaching (OPC)
· Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)
· Toileting, Interoception and Nutrition
· Implementing a neuroaffirming model: Come get our shift together
· Perceive, Plan, Recall, Perform (PRPP) Assessment
· The Child Initiated Pretend Play Assessment - ChIPPA
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Melissa’s focus for all therapeutic interventions is on developing ‘function’ through novel and playful experiences to increase motivation and facilitate practice and learning. Most importantly, its all about having FUN!
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Melissa looks forward to working in partnership with you and your family to nurture your child’s strengths in maximising their potential and reaching their goals.