"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.
My clinical experience is primarily in rehabilitation in neurological & musculoskeletal settings, including sexual therapies & rehabilitation for patients in these streams. Occupational therapists 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……. Sexuality. 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 rehabilitation and sexual 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. 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? People who are desirous to relearn or understand their sexuality after/during illness or incident, or for people who are desirous to explore and further discover their sexuality for greater intimacy with themselves and/or partners. 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, ethically non-monogamous and alternative relationship-style communities.
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 values. This gathered information is used as a guide to my individualistic and holistic approach to your sexuality and its transformation towards evolution.
