"Sexuality is a part of many people’s lives ... and access to greater quality of sexual health is a human right."
Hello there, I'm Tess Devéze.
I am the founder of 'ConnectAble Therapies,' a Melbourne-based occupational therapy consulting service specialising in sexuality, intimacy, arousal, communication and partner dynamics.
What is an occupational therapist (OT)? OT's assess and use interventions to enable increased independence and participation in meaningful activities (we call them occupations). This may include self-care tasks, work related (vocational) tasks and also may include……. sex! My clinical experience is primarily in sexuality during and after cancer treatments, and sexuality & disability. I feel sexuality is becoming more recognised as a part of our lives, however still remains under-addressed in healthcare, something I aim to change!
In addition to my clinical expertise, I am a sexuality, communication, consent and sexual exploration educator in the community and co-facilitate workshops for 'Curious Creatures'. I am also a Member of the Society of Australian Sexologists Ltd., and adhere to the Society’s Code of Ethics and Practice. To find out more, go to www.societyaustraliansexologists.org.au.
My roles and the experiences they bring, provide me with a very unique perspective and approach to sexual and intimacy therapy. With my positive, respectful and functional perspective, I provide consultations for people who wish to explore, understand and increase their sexual satisfaction and participation towards greater quality of life. I believe sexuality is a part of many people’s lives and access to greater quality of sexual health, is a human right.
Who is this for? Partners of and persons with a cancer diagnosis and persons living with chronic illness and/or disability. My consultations are inclusive to persons recovering from surgery or injury, with differently-abled bodies, oncology clients, chronic illness, neurological and musculoskeletal conditions.
I am also inclusive, welcoming and supportive to members of LGBTQIA, kink and ethically non-monogamous communities, communities of which I belong to.
What does it look like? Consultations include information gathering, assessment, goal setting, communication tools, suggested interventions, equipment discussions, no nudity or sexual touch, but does involve a lot of homework!
I see each person as being entirely individual from the next, with individual physiology, physicality, neurology and sexuality. My professional and calm approach to consultation is to gain an understanding of you, which includes your living environments, psychosocial aspects and your values. This gathered information is used as a guide to my individualistic and holistic approach to your sexuality and its transformation.
