Psychomotricity is a relatively new concept in the field of mental health. It refers to the relationship between our thoughts, our emotions and our physical movements. This means that the way we think and feel can affect our physical body and vice versa. While this may sound like common sense, it’s only recently that science has started catching up with what many of us already know intuitively. Psychomotricity can be useful in treating disorders such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, etc. If you’re curious if psychomotricity can help you or a loved one, read on to learn more about this exciting area of study.
Psychomotricity: what is it?
Psychomotricity is a branch of psychology that studies the relationship between mental and motor processes. It ranges from simple reflexes to more complex skills like riding a bike or playing a musical instrument. Psychomotricity also encompasses how emotions and thoughts can affect movement. For example, a person who feels anxious may have trouble keeping their hands still. By understanding how mind and body are connected, psychomotor therapists can develop treatments for conditions like ADHD, dyslexia and autism. They can also help people improve their coordination and fine motor skills. In short, psychomotricity is an essential area of study that has real-world applications.
Psychomotor therapist Vs Psychologist: what is the difference?
Although psychologists and psychomotor therapists both work with patients to improve their mental and emotional well-being, there are key differences between the two professions. Psychologists typically hold a doctorate or degree in psychology and focus on patient counseling and research. In contrast, psychomotor therapists have a medical degree and focus on using movement and touch to help patients relieve stress, manage pain, and improve motor skills. Psychomotor therapists may also use techniques such as massage, hydrotherapy, and art therapy. Due to their different areas of focus, psychologists and psychomotor therapists often work together to provide comprehensive patient care.
When should you consult a psychomotor therapist?
A psychomotrician specializes in the assessment and treatment of patients with physical and mental disorders that affect their ability to move. These pathologies can include:
- ADHD.
- Dyslexia.
- Cerebral palsy.
- Multiple sclerosis.
- Parkinson’s disease.
- Autism.
- Cerebrovascular accidents.
They work with people of all ages, from infants to the elderly. As they can support people with anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders and other mental health issues. In addition to their clinical work, psychomotor therapists also conduct research on movement disorders and mental health.
Psychomotor therapists use a variety of techniques to help their patients improve their motor skills and quality of life. If you, or one of your loved ones, are struggling with a physical or mental health problem that affects the ability to move, a consultation with a psychomotrician will provide the desired help.
What happens during the session?
Sessions with a psychomotor therapist usually include exercises that help improve coordination, balance and body awareness. These exercises can be both fun and challenging, and help people feel more comfortable in their own skin. In addition to physical exercises, the sessions can thus call on art, music or other creative activities. Ultimately, the goal of psychomotricity is to help people feel closer to their bodies and themselves.
Does psychomotricity have contraindications or side effects?
While this type of therapy has many benefits, it also has potential risks. One of the most common side effects of psychomotricity is vertigo. This phenomenon is often due to the therapist moving the patient’s body in a way that upsets their sense of balance. Other possible side effects are headache, nausea and fatigue. In rare cases, patients may also experience more serious side effects, such as seizures or strokes. However, these risks are usually only associated with high intensity sessions or those that are not properly supervised. Overall, psychomotricity is a safe and effective treatment for many conditions, but it’s important to be aware of potential risks before beginning therapy.
