1 What is psychomotor therapy?
Psychomotor therapy views the human body as more than an anatomical mechanism: it is the living site where emotions, thought, emotional history and our relationship with the outside world come together. Psychomotor therapists receive a state diploma after three years of higher education combining motor anatomy, neuropsychology, psychiatry and body-based therapeutic techniques, including dance, relaxation, movement courses and graphic activities.
2 Psychomotor assessment: observing the body in action
The process begins with a comprehensive assessment of body schema, body image, gross motor skills, including balance and general dynamic coordination, fine motor skills, including manual dexterity, pencil grip and writing speed using the BHK test, laterality, and spatial and temporal orientation. The practitioner also analyses muscle tone, including anxiety-related hypertonia and passivity-related hypotonia, as a revealing barometer of psychological tension.
3 Practical applications at every age
Psychomotor therapy is intended for children with clumsiness or developmental coordination disorder, also known as dyspraxia, and for hyperactive or anxious children who struggle to channel their restlessness. It also supports stressed adults with physical manifestations of psychological distress and older people afraid of falling. Through agility courses, rhythm games and psychosensory relaxation exercises, patients regain confidence in their motor abilities.
4 Transferring motor gains to daily independence and writing
Psychomotor work aims to produce lasting changes in real life: improved balance on a beam helps a child feel less afraid in the playground, while stronger finger muscles make it easier to hold a pen in class without pain. The therapist works with the school and family to consolidate these motor achievements.