Aucouturier went to work as a physical education teacher in Lyons but this profession did not hold much interest for him. He then started working
with a team in Tours that re-educated deaf children. Aucouturier then decided to work with children who had learning or physical disabilities. He
worked and did his research for 35 years in Tours, where he created the psychomotor practice from the observation of the children he worked with.
His research was and still is ongoing. He collaborated on an interdisciplinary basis with psychologists, neuropsychiatrists and psychoanalysts who
brought their particular views to his research.
Aucouturier
then moved to Tours, where Jean Le Bouch and Pierre Vayer had just started to develop the first theories and
the concept of psychomotricity. They were heavily influenced by the theories of Jean Piaget and Henry Wallen (both
developmental psychologists) who underlined the important role of movement, action and “tonic dialogue” in the acquisition
of all developmental stages, emotional and cognitive abilities. They were also influenced by the theories of D H
Winnicott who stressed the importance of the environment (“the holding environment”) and by De Ajuriaguerra.
Aucouturier’s
training and programme is called the PPA® (Psychomotor Practice Aucouturier). This programme allows the
child to work towards their own emotional well being by developing a positive self image and by building their self
confidence. It is aimed at inspiring and encouraging creativity which is crucial at the present moment. It gives them tools to
cope with frustration and enables them to communicate, to grow and hone their social skills, and to be happy within in their
own body In this day and age where it is imperative to be able to communicate and emotional intelligence is a highly valued
skill to have, Psychomotor is able to provide the chance for children to develop that.