About Desiree Spierings

Desiree Spierings is a qualified and experienced Sex Therapist and Relationship Counsellor. She has a BA/Psychology from Macquarie University, a PG/Dip in Psychology from Macquarie University, a Master Health Sciences/Sexual Health from Sydney University. Her PG/Dip research was on rejection and she is currently conducting a literature review on infidelity.
Additionally, one of her priorities is to keep up to date with the latest approaches in relationship counselling and sex therapy by attending workshops and conferences on a regular basis.

Desiree was the co-host on the ABC1 TV series ‘Making Couples Happy’, where she was the relationship counsellor and sex therapist of the 4 couples on the show. Additionally, Desiree makes regular appearances on TV programmes or radio shows as an expert in relationships and sex.

Furthermore, Desiree provides education sessions, lectures, and presentations to healthcare professionals, schools, offices, and the general public on a regular basis. She was an Honorary Associate Lecturer of the Graduate Program in Sexual Health Faculty of Health Sciences Sydney University from 2010-2011.

Desiree is also an Accredited Professional Member of ASSERT NSW (Australian Society of Sex Educators, Researchers and Therapists). She is a member of the content sub-committee for the ‘Rekindle Sexuality after Cancer’- project for cancer survivors and their partners run at Sydney University in collaboration with the Cancer Council NSW. She also was a member of the project working group for psycho-sexual issues for women with gynaecological cancers, which was funded by Cancer Australia and the National Centre for Gynaecological Cancer.

On a Personal Note

Desiree was born in The Netherlands and arrived in Australia over 15 years ago. She is happily married to a Dutchman and has three children. Her immigration sparked her interest in the cultural differences between sexual attitudes, norms and values. She believes it is important to recognize that there is no ‘normal' sexuality and that normality is defined by individuals depending on their sex, sexuality, culture, religion, personality, upbringing, language and creativity. This is what keeps her motivated and interested in her work, since she meets different kinds of 'normal' everyday.

Desiree advocates safe, good and pleasurable sexual and relationship health for everyone.

If you would like to contact Desiree Spierings directly, please email desiree@sexualhealthaustralia.com.au

Desiree Says:

Every relationship can encounter difficulties, even the very best ones, and this is nothing to be ashamed of. In the course of your life, many challenges will be thrown at you and/or your partner, but it is about how you then go about dealing with those challenges that can truly make a world of difference.

I sincerely believe that it is important for all of us to look at ourselves within, that you love the relationship you have with yourself first and foremost and that you can recognize and be at peace with your own strengths and weaknesses. Once you have a solid understanding of who you are, you can only then truly bring meaning and love into your own life and into your partner's life. Counselling can also assist you with learning to incorporate and maintain coping skills in order to deal with the various challenges life will bring.

Your sexuality is such an important part of who you are and has a profound effect on your overall happiness, health, and well-being. Being comfortable with who you are as a sexual being and being able to express that freely and safely will enlighten you. Sexuality also plays a significant role in being at ease with intimacy in a relationship, which is so important in order to get close with your partner and to create a strong, loveable, and lasting bond. Relationship issues and sexual problems are closely intertwined in that; sexual problems can create relationship issues, and relationship issues can create sexual problems. Therefore, I tend to take a holistic approach in my counselling sessions and take into account both the relationship dynamic and the specific sexual factors that may play a role. 

I stand and fight for Healthy Sexuality and Relationships for ALL; whatever your age, relationship status, gender, sexuality or physical ability. Every single one of us is entitled to good, safe, and pleasurable sexual and relationship health.

Educational Background

Tertiary Degrees:

Post-Graduate Diploma in Psychology
Macquarie University, Sydney

Master Health Sciences/Sexual Health
Sydney University, Sydney

BA/Psychology
Macquarie University, Sydney

Additional Courses:

Foundational Leadership Program
The University of Melbourne/Melbourne Business School

GP Training Accreditation Course, Sydney
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP)

PD Workshops and Conferences:

ANZTZA – Assessment & Management in Sexually Abusing Families
Dr. C. J. Lennings
November 2009

ASSERT NSW Education Meeting – Psychosexual Impact of Gynaecological Cancers
Dr. Katherine Hodgkinson
October 2009

Pfizer Conference - Uroscience
September 2009

ASSERT ACT Education Meeting – Brain Sex, Love or Lust Human Sexuality & Emotions
Dr. Patricia Weerakoon
August 2009

ASSERT NSW Education Meeting – Adult Male Sexual Assault
Brett McCann
August 2009

ASSERT NSW Education Meeting – Sexual Complacency in Long Term Relationships
Elisabeth Shaw
June 2009

ASSERT NSW Education Meeting – Desire Discrepancies
Bettina Arndt
May 2009

IA Workshop
Premature/Delayed Ejaculation
April 2009

ASSERT NSW 2008 Conference
Sexual Health, Pleasure & Rights: The Australian Response
November 2008

IA Workshop
Psychosocial Aspects of a Positive STD Result, Pre-Post Counselling, Informed Consent
November 2008

IA Workshop
Sexual History Taking, Sexual Orientation, Low Sexual Desire
October 2008

Coloplast Workshop
Permanent Solutions to Erectile Dysfunction, Penile Prosthesis
October 2008

ASSERT NSW Education Meeting - Menopause & Healthy Aging
Menopause & Healthy Aging
May 2008

Coloplast Workshop
Penile Prosthesis
April 2008

IA Workshop
Contact Tracing, Partner Notification
March, 2008

IA Workshop
Adult Male & Female Sexual Assault
November 2007