Denmark
Denmark is a small country in southern Scandinavia, characterized by at comparatively cultural and linguistic homogeneity.
Historically, Denmark was the first country to develop Psychomotricity as a formal field of work and education, the earliest schools being founded in the early 1940’s.
Psychomotricity was and is a small, but resilient field and profession with professionals working within a very wide range of fields.
Professional Framework in Denmark
In Denmark, the professional title is
Psykomotorisk terapeut DAP
The profession is
recognized
The profession is recognized as such by state health and educational authorities, as well as private institutions and insurance companies.
protected
The title of psychomotrician /psychomotor therapist is protected and reserved for holders of recognized diplomas.
self-regulated
The profession is not state-regulated, but is overseen by the Danish Association of Psychomotricity (DAP).
Only graduates from approved colleges can be members of DAP and use the DAP title as long as they follow its code of conduct.
Educationin Denmark
In Denmark, two departments of Psychomotricity in university colleges deliver a Professional Bachelors degree programme of Psychomotor Therapy, to obtain the title “Psykomotorisk Terapeut”.
In Denmark there is no postgraduate degree program in psychomotricity, but candidates have access to a wide range of programs in related fields
Working
in Denmark
Get your diploma recognition
In Denmark, there are bilateral agreements for mutual professional recognition between Denmark and France, as well as between Denmark and the Netherlands.
Recognition is facilitated through Denmark’s national association, DAP, and the Ministry of Education.
Get to know the professional association
Dansk Psykomotoriske Terapeuter (DAP) is the Danish professional association for qualified psychomotor therapists, with about 1000 members across the country.
Psychomotricity
in Denmark
Pioneered by three leading figures, psychomotricity was developed in a cross section between the fields of dance, pedagogics, psychology and health.
A handful of small schools, mainly in the Copenhagen area, developed each their own speciality and version of psychomotricity and relaxation therapy. There was a wide range of discussion and cooperation until the foundation of a common association and a gradual homogenization of education and practice.
Today psychomotricity is considered a health profession.
Turning points
1940's
Pioneer figures
Three major figures offer the first official 3-year education:
- Gerda Alexander (1940) with the concepets and practices of Dalcroze’s eurythmy, eutony and relaxation
- Ingrid Prahm (1941), ballet dancer, who stuied at Schlaffhorst-Andersen school (voice, breathing, music, movement with pedagogical and therapeutical scopes)
- Marussia Bergh (1948) : dance, muscular relaxation, massage, Laban movement analysis
Until 2002 the education was offered in several small private education facilities.
1978
Creation of professional association
The Danish Association of Psychomotricity, DAP, is formed.
1989
Education Official recognition
The Ministry of Education gave its official recognition of private education.
Students gained the right to receive education stipends, resulting in the schools becoming partially publicly financed.
1996
European Forum of Psychomotricity
The European Forum of Psychomotricity (EFP) is created,
with Denmark as a founding member, represented by Lone Frimodt.
Since 1998
More and more recognition
1998 – DAP becomes a member of the Health Confederation with 10 other health associations.
The Confederation is responsible for negotiations concerning salary and working conditions with the public employers.
2002 – A promulgation was signed and two public institutions providing a 3½-year Professional Bachelor program are created.
FAQ
Here are few answers to frequently asked questions
in order to understand better Psychomotricity in Denmark.
Get to know more about Psychomotricity in Denmark
