Portugal

Portugal is one of the oldest countries in Europe, with more than 800 years of history and one of the most spoken languages in the world: Portuguese. In addition to mainland, Portugal includes two autonomous regions: Azores and Madeira.

The geographical and cultural richness and diversity of our country is reflected in the way in which Psychomotricity, as a scientific, training and professional area, has emerged and has been developing.

Professional
Framework

Professional recognition
in Portugal

The professional title is

Psicomotricista

Técnico Superior de Reabilitação Psicomotora / Técnico Superior de Educação Especial e Reabilitação

The profession is

established

The field of Psychomotricity is widely known, appreciated and respected in practice.

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.

Education
in Portugal

Initial education

In Portugal,

Bachelor in Psychomotor Rehabilitation

(Licenciatura em Reabilitação Psicomotora)

3 years

180 ECTS

Portuguese

Cruz Quebrada – Dafundo (Lisbon) – Faculty of Human Motricity (Faculdade de Motricidade Humana)

Bachelor in Psychomotor Rehabilitation

(Licenciatura em Reabilitação Psicomotora)

3 years

180 ECTS

Portuguese

Evora – University of Évora

Bachelor in Psychomotor Rehabilitation

(Licenciatura em Reabilitação Psicomotora)

3 years

180 ECTS

Portuguese

Vila Real – University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD)

Postgraduate education

In Switzerland, psychomotor therapists have access to some postgraduate university degree, under each university conditions. One is specifically dedicated to the field of Psychomotricity.

Master in Psychomotor Rehabilitation

(Mestrados em Reabilitação Psicomotora)

2 years

120 ECTS

German

Cruz Quebrada – Dafundo (Lisbon) – Faculty of Human Motricity (Faculdade de Motricidade Humana)

Master in Psychomotor Rehabilitation

(Mestrados em Reabilitação Psicomotora)

2 years

120 ECTS

French

Evora – University of Évora

Working
in Portugal

In order to work in Portugal as a psychomotrician / psychomotor therapist, the Portuguese Association of Psychomotricity (APP – Associação Portuguesa de Psicomotricidade) issues to all its permanent members, after verifying their qualifications, the Psychomotrician Professional Declaration (DPP – Declaração Profissional de Psicomotricista), a document that serves as a replacement for the professional card when dealing with public and private entities.

Get your diploma recognition

Foreign psychomotricians /psychomotor therapist must first request equivalence of their diploma at one of the three Universities that offer a Psychomotricity program in Portugal, before asking APP for their DPP.

In addition to this document, psychomotrician / psychomotor therapists in Portugal must also be registered with the Health Regulatory Entity (ERS – Entidade Reguladora da Saúde).

Get to know the professional association

Associação Portuguesa de Psicomotricidade (APP)
is a non-profit professional association representing Psychomotricity and psychomotricians in Portugal.

Psychomotricity
in Portugal

Psychomotricity emerged in Portugal from the degree in Physical Education at the Faculty of Human Kinetics, in the 80s of the 20th century. Initially, there was a specialization in Special Education and Rehabilitation (EER) that covered some basic notions of Psychomotricity. In the early 90s, this specialization became an independent degree. In 2002, this degree evolved into a specific degree “Psychomotor Rehabilitation”, later adapted to the Bologna process (2006). Currently, the degree in Psychomotor Rehabilitation is a training offer at three public Universities: the University of Lisbon (at the Faculty of Human Kinetics), the University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro and the University of Évora.

Turning points

Since 1970

Vitor da Fonseca, a pioneer figure

Full Professor at the Faculty of Human Motricity (FMH) of the University of Lisbon, from which he is now retired, he holds a PhD in Special Education and Rehabilitation and specialises in Human Development Disorders. For over fifty years he has been working in psychoeducational observation and intervention in clinical centres and is the author of over 35 books and 150 articles published both nationally and internationally. His areas of study, research and publication cover a wide range of related areas such as: Psychomotricity and Neuropsychomotricity; Evolutionary Anthropology; Developmental Disorders (including Early Intervention); Special and Inclusive Education; Specific Language and Learning Difficulties; General and Special Psychopedagogy; Neuropsychology of Learning; Cognitive Educability; Executive Functions; Neuropsychopedagogy and Neurosciences of Education. Together with Professors Arquimedes da Silva Santos and Nelson Mendes, Professor Vitor da Fonseca was responsible for initiating the training, study and research of Psychomotricity in Portugal, thus creating the degree in Special Education and Rehabilitation, which led to the degree in Psychomotor Rehabilitation at the FMH. As a teacher and professional, he has contributed to the training of hundreds of professionals over the years, including founding the Portuguese Association of Psychomotricity (APP – Associação Portuguesa de Psicomotricidade) with some of his former students and colleagues. As a lecturer and teacher, he has also contributed to the training of many professionals in Spain, France, Italy, Brazil, Mexico, Chile and Peru. His vast work continues to be recognised in various countries, and he recently (November 2024) received the Collar of Academic Merit from the Brazilian Academy of Sciences, Arts, History and Literature, of which he is now a member in the Collegiate of Educational Sciences.

1996

European Forum of Psychomotricity

The European Forum of Psychomotricity (EFP) is created,
with Portgual as a founding member, represented by Rui Martins.

2001

Creation of a professional association

The Portuguese Association of Psychomotricity (APP – Associação Portuguesa de Psicomotricidade) was established with Vitor da Fonseca as its founder and associate no. 1, while Rui Martins served as its first President until 2010.

2006

First Bachelor degreee

The first official Bachelor’s degree program is launched.

2010 – A postgraduate Master degree is available in the field of psychomotricity.

FAQ

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

Do I need some special authorisation to practise in Portugal?

You need to request the Psychomotrician Professional Declaration (DPP – Declaração Profissional de Psicomotricista) from APP, a document that serves as a replacement for the professional card when dealing with public and private entities.

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

Psychomotricians can carry out their professional activity in the therapeutic, rehabilitative, re-educational and/or preventive context, in the most diverse situations linked to problems of psychomotor development, behaviour, learning and psycho-affective aspects.

Psychomotricians develop their work in the public and private sectors, including: kindergartens, schools, special education schools, day centers, institutions for people with disabilities, organizations for children and young people, general and psychiatric hospitals, social inclusion, sports associations, local projects, activity centers, institutions for the elderly and private clinics.

Is psychomotor therapy financially covered in Portugal?

In some circumstances, Psychomotor Intervention is partially reimbursed by Social Security, ADSE, SAMS and other subsystems or health insurance.

Is psychomotor therapy subject to a medical prescription in Portugal?

For tax and reimbursement purposes, clinical Psychomotor Intervention needs a medical prescription in Portugal.

Portugal