Australian of the Year 2023 nominee, Tess Devèze is an occupational therapist (OT) having completed their bachelor degree in Melbourne Australia, founding ConnectAble Therapies, a community sexuality OT and sexology clinic, focussing on sexuality and intimacy for people with neurological conditions, cancer, chronic illness and disability. They have also completed certification and trainings via the Institute of Somatic Sexology. Alongside being a sexuality OT, Tess is also a sexuality educator and workshop facilitator, and has facilitated and educated thousands of people in the topics of communication, consent, sexuality, pleasure and relationship dynamics for nearing a decade. Tess founded the global online initiative 'Intimacy and Cancer', an online support space for people of all cancers and genders to access sexual support. As a non-binary, queer, disabled person living with cancer, their work is inclusive and advocates for sexual rights for disabled, neurodiverse, gender queer/diverse and LGBTQIA+, communities, which they proudly belong to.Tess was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer at the age of 36 and is still undergoing treatments. Find them at www.connectabletherapies.com
"""This book has been a life saver. I know my quality of life is better. Every cancer patient should be gifted this book"" S. Cancer survivor. ""Omg!!!! Your book changed my life and is saving my relationship! Thank you so much for making me feel like a woman again!!!!"". P.M Cancer survivor. After treatment from cancer in my 30's with ongoing hormone blocking medication I was devastated things no longer worked as they should. I had a lot of hope pinned on this book and honestly it has been life changing. I feel a lot more like the pre cancer me again being able to do the things I use to enjoy as well as educate my partner and now he has a great understanding too. Thank You!"" LRH, Survivor. ""The author of this excellent guide, Tess Deveze, is eminently qualified to write such a book as this. Deveze has not been afraid to include their own experiences choosing a path few have the courage (or knowledge) to tread, and has done so with great passion, humour, and attention to detail. I would recommend this book highly to all those who suffer from cancer, all those who are close to them, and all clinicians working in this challenging field"". S.W, Medical Doctor. ""It changed my life. It changed how my partner and I make love."" Cancer survivor. ""Reading this is like spending time with the wisest, most caring of mentors, supporting you fully. I love this book"". M.H. Survivor and carer. ""What I can say is....WOW....and THANK YOU."" A.T, Carer. ""There IS hope and don't forget it. Thank God Tess wrote this book. It's a total game changer! Run out and get it because if you're having trouble w the lack of intimacy this will help"". S.A, survivor ""You have helped me better understand my body and what I can do to have a more normal sexual experience with my partner. Thank you!, survivor"". L.P, survivor. ""Thank you Tess Dev�ze for this absolute ""game changer"". You gave me new perspective and hope. I found myself in every page... After reading the book I feel more confident and hopeful and strong and beautiful. You opened a door to a whole new world regarding self-love, self-acceptance, self-respect, intimacy and joy. There is ""A Better Normal"", after all.THANKS for showing it to me❤"". M.K, cancer survivor."