The Netherlands

The Netherlands has 12 provinces, each with its own cultural differences. In general, the Dutch are often associated with traits such as being well-organized, valuing equality, having their own opinions, being honest and open, promoting independence, self-reliance, and embracing the motto “just act normal, that’s crazy enough.”

Professional
Framework

Professional recognition
in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, the professional title is

Psychomotorisch therapeut

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 Dutch association for psychomotor therapy (NVPMT).

Education
in the Netherlands

Initial education

In the Netherlands, there are two universities of applied sciences that provide an education in order to obtain the title “Psychomotorisch therapeut”.

Bachelor Vaktherapie - Psychomotorische Therapie

4 years

240 ECTS

Dutch

Nijmegen – HAN University of Applied Science

Bachelor Psychomotorische Therapie en Bewegingsagogie

4 years

240 ECTS

Dutch

Zwolle – Windesheim University of Applied Science

Postgraduate education

In the Netherlands, one institute offers a postgraduate master degree in Psychomotricity.

Master Psychomotorische Therapy/ Psychomotor Therapy

2 years

120 ECTS

Dutch

Zwolle – Windesheim University of Applied Science

Working
in the Netherlands

Get your diploma recognition

Recognition is facilitated through the Dutch Association for Psychomotor Therapy (NVPMT), and to get your professional registration, you must apply to the Quality Register for “Vaktherapie”.

Before you can apply you have to apply for a credential evaluation at the Nuffic (executive agency). If this is done you can apply by sending all necessary documents to the register administration.

Get to know the professional association

Nederlandse Vereniging voor Psychomotorische Therapie (NVPMT) is the Dutch professional association for qualified psychomotor therapists, representing around 2500 Psychomotor therapists across the country.

Psychomotricity
in the Netherlands

The history of Psychomotor Therapy (PMT) in the Netherlands dates back to the 18th century when physical exercise was used in the treatment of psychiatric patients in France, Germany, and England (Probst & Bosscher, 2001). In the Netherlands, Euler wrote about gymnastics for psychiatric patients in 1858, but it was the German psychiatrist Simon who first described “active” therapy, which later gained traction in the Netherlands (De Lange, 1998).

After World War II, ‘movement therapy’ was further developed by physical education teachers. Van Roozendaal gained recognition for his movement research, while Gordijn developed his “theory of human movement,” which became significant in therapeutic contexts.

Turning points

1960

Establishment of NVPMT

A major milestone was the establishment of the Dutch Association for Movement Therapy in 1960, now known as the Dutch Association for Psychomotor Therapy (NVPMT).

1970's

Development of Psychomotor Therapy

From the 1970s onward, movement therapy was increasingly influenced by ideas from psychotherapy. Petzold, who moved from Germany to the Netherlands, developed Integrative Movement Therapy, incorporating elements from Gestalt therapy (Petzold, 1996).

Due to this development and the confusion between movement therapy as part of physiotherapy, the official name was changed to Psychomotor Therapy in 1975 (Krol & Van Roozendaal, 1975).

1980's

Kuno van Dijk, a professor of psychiatry in Groningen, laid the foundation for the development of body-oriented therapy in the Netherlands in the early 1980s. Together with his team, he invited the American (dance) therapist Albert Pesso to give lectures.

This later led to the training of Pesso therapists through the Regional Institutes for Continuing Education and Training in Mental Healthcare (RINO) and the establishment of the Association for Pesso Psychotherapy. Connections were also made with Laura Perls, co-founder of Gestalt therapy. Van Dijk and his team worked for years on developing conceptual models to substantiate body-oriented therapy. In his clinic, he referred to it as Psycho-Sensory-Motor Therapy. In collaboration with psychologist and movement therapist Herman Bolhuis, this approach was further refined into the modern field of psychomotor therapy.

1995

Official Recognition

Since 1995, the Dutch government has officially recognized Psychomotor Therapy as a profession within Mental Healthcare. Psychomotor therapists, together with creative therapists, form the professional group of arts therapies, one of the six professional groups in mental healthcare (alongside social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, psychotherapists, and nurses).

Since then, they have also been represented in the Coordinating Body for Continuing Education and Training (CONO) in Mental Healthcare. This development contributed to the establishment of the Federation of Arts Therapies (Vaktherapie) in 2006, which includes associations for psychomotor, art, drama, music, and dance therapists. This federation plays a crucial role in quality assurance, knowledge expansion, and the professional positioning of arts therapists and is currently called “Vaktherapie Nederland”.

1996

European Forum of Psychomotricity

The European Forum of Psychomotricity (EFP) is created,
with Switzerland as a founding member, represented by Jan Koene.

This forum highlighted significant differences in theoretical foundations and professional practices across countries while simultaneously driving professional development beyond national borders.

Nowadays

Today, PMT is an established form of treatment within the Dutch healthcare system, with applications in mental healthcare, rehabilitation, and youth care.

Training programs for psychomotor therapists are embedded within universities of applied sciences, emphasizing evidence-based interventions.

As the field continues to evolve, there is a strong focus on innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the increasing demand for personalized care. The ongoing development of PMT reflects its adaptability and relevance in contemporary healthcare settings.

FAQ

Here are few answers to frequently asked questions
in order to understand better Psychomotricity in the Netherlands.

Do I need some special authorisation to practise in the Netherlands?

Yes, you must apply to the Quality Register for “Vaktherapie”.
Moreover you need to apply for a credential evaluation at the Nuffic (executive agency)

In which fields can I work as a psychomotor therapist in the Netherlands?

Psychomotor therapists work in various settings within healthcare and related sectors. Some of the key places of employment include:

1. Hospitals: Both general hospitals and specialized departments (such as rehabilitation or neurology), where PMT is used for patients with physical or psychological issues.

2. Psychiatric institutions: PMT is commonly applied in mental healthcare (GGZ), for individuals with conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, or personality disorders.

3. Rehabilitation centers: Psychomotor therapists work with patients recovering from physical or neurological conditions, such as a stroke or accident.

4. Youth care: PMT is used for children and adolescents with behavioral issues, trauma, or developmental disorders, in settings like youth care institutions or special schools.

5. Nursing homes and elderly care: Psychomotor therapy helps older adults maintain motor function and improve well-being, particularly in relation to dementia or physical limitations.

6. Private practices: Many psychomotor therapists have independent practices, working with various client groups such as individuals with stress, burnout, or chronic pain.

7. Special education: PMT is applied to children with learning or developmental disabilities, such as autism or ADHD.

8. Addiction care: PMT is used to support patients in their recovery process from addiction, focusing on self-regulation and improving body awareness.

Psychomotor therapists work in diverse settings, both clinical and outpatient, focusing on improving the physical and mental health of their clients.

Is psychomotor therapy financially covered in the Netherlands?

Yes, in the Netherlands, psychomotor therapy (PMT) is generally covered by health insurance, but the level of coverage depends on the type of insurance and the specific treatment context. For children and youth (0 – 18 years old) healthcare such as Psychomotor Therapy is organizes on a local or regional level and paid by the local government.

 When covered by health insurances, it can be through:

1. Basic Health Insurance (Basisverzekering):
• PMT is often covered under the basic health insurance plan when it is part of a broader treatment plan within mental health care (e.g., in the context of psychiatric treatment or rehabilitation).
• This coverage typically applies when treatment is provided in a hospital or by a licensed healthcare provider in a recognized healthcare institution (such as a GGZ institution or rehabilitation center).
• However, a referral from a doctor or psychiatrist is usually required.

2. Additional Insurance:
• If PMT is provided by a private practitioner or if it’s part of a more specialized therapy (e.g., for stress, burnout, or chronic pain), it might be covered under additional (supplementary) insurance plans, depending on the specific policy.

3. Own Contribution:
• Some policies may require a co-payment or additional financial contribution for certain treatments, depending on the type of insurance chosen.

It’s important for individuals to check with their insurance provider for specific details about coverage for psychomotor therapy, as terms can vary by insurer and specific treatment context.

Is psychomotor therapy subject to a medical prescription in the Netherlands?

Not always, but mostly yes.

In the Netherlands, psychomotor therapy (PMT) typically requires a medical prescription or referral to be covered by health insurance. This prescription is usually provided by a general practitioner (GP), psychiatrist, or another healthcare professional, depending on the patient’s specific needs.

Here’s how it works:

1. Medical Prescription or Referral:
• To receive PMT within the context of mental health or rehabilitation, a referral from a doctor (e.g., GP, psychiatrist, or psychologist) is generally required. This is necessary to ensure that the treatment is part of a broader healthcare plan, especially for insurance coverage.

2. Treatment in Healthcare Institutions:
• If PMT is provided in a hospital or healthcare institution (such as a psychiatric institution or rehabilitation center), the referral will often come from the treating healthcare professional within that institution.

3. Private Practice:
• For PMT provided in private practice (e.g., for stress management or chronic pain), a medical referral is often not required. However, for insurance coverage, some insurers may still request it.

The referral or prescription ensures that PMT is part of an integrated healthcare approach and helps streamline the process for insurance reimbursement.

The Netherlands

Professional recognition
in the Netherlands