Butterfly Hug — Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

The client crosses their arms on their chest, the tips of the middle fingers placed under the collarbones, fingers pointing up toward the neck. They then alternate taps with their hands, mimicking the wings of a butterfly, while breathing slowly and deeply. This is self-administered bilateral stimulation that can be done discreetly anywhere — at home, at work, in transit. Developed by Lucina Artigas and Ignacio Jarero in 1997 for work with hurricane survivors.

Step-by-step guide

Cross the arms on the chest, fingers vertical under the collarbones
Take a slow, deep exhale (abdominal breathing)
Begin alternating taps of the hands like butterfly wings — slowly and rhythmically
Observe thoughts, images, sensations without judgment for 1–3 minutes
Practice at home several times a day, especially in a calm state

When to use

Anxiety and panic outside the therapy room
Self-administered resource installation at home
Work with children and adolescents
Closing an incomplete session
Group work (each participant applies it on their own)

Key phrases

Cross your arms like this, fingers under the collarbones, pointing up. Begin to move your hands very slowly, like butterfly wings. Breathe slowly and deeply, just observe what is happening in your head and body.

Follow-up questions

Practice this at home several times a day, especially when you are calm — so this feeling consolidates

You can do it discreetly — for example, sitting at a desk or in transit

Alternative phrasings

If the arms are uncomfortable — try alternating taps on the knees

Combine with the safe place: bring up the image and add the Butterfly Hug

Warnings

⚠️ If there are problems with the arms or shoulders — replace with tapping on the knees
⚠️ With strong bodily defense or unwillingness to touch oneself — switch to auditory stimulation

Source: Artigas, L. & Jarero, I. 1997, updated 2011