The Butterfly Hug: Self-Administered EMDR Technique

What is the butterfly hug?

The butterfly hug is a self-administered bilateral stimulation technique used in EMDR therapy and as a standalone self-regulation tool. Developed by Lucina Artigas in 1998 during humanitarian work with child survivors of Hurricane Paulina in Acapulco, Mexico, it involves crossing the arms over the chest, placing the hands on the opposite shoulders or collarbones, and alternating tapping — resembling the wings of a butterfly. It has become one of the most widely used self-BLS methods in the world, adopted for group EMDR, children's therapy, crisis intervention, and between-session self-care.

How it works

The client crosses their arms over their chest so that the fingers of each hand rest on the opposite shoulder or just below the collarbone. They then alternately tap — left hand, right hand, left hand, right hand — at a steady, comfortable rhythm, typically one tap per second on each side. While tapping, the client can close their eyes and focus on a calming image, a safe place, or simply observe their internal experience. The alternating tactile stimulation activates bilateral processing, engaging both brain hemispheres through contralateral somatosensory pathways and providing a self-soothing, regulating effect.

When therapists choose this technique

The butterfly hug is used in group EMDR protocols where individual BLS delivery is not practical. It is a primary tool in EMDR crisis intervention and humanitarian response, such as the EMDR Integrative Group Treatment Protocol (EMDR-IGTP). Therapists teach it to clients for self-regulation between sessions — managing anxiety, insomnia, or acute distress. It is especially popular with children because the butterfly metaphor is engaging and the technique is easy to learn. It requires no equipment, making it ideal for disaster relief and resource-limited settings.

Strengths and limitations

Strengths

• No equipment needed — accessible anywhere, anytime
• Self-administered, empowering client autonomy and self-regulation
• Effective with children due to the engaging butterfly metaphor
• Scalable for group settings, crisis response, and humanitarian work

Limitations

• Less precise bilateral alternation than device-assisted methods
• Not sufficient for independent trauma processing without therapist guidance
• Some adults find the gesture self-conscious or childlike
• Physical limitations (shoulder injuries, mobility issues) can make it uncomfortable

Frequently asked questions

Who invented the butterfly hug and why?

The butterfly hug was developed by Lucina Artigas in 1998 while providing EMDR therapy to children affected by Hurricane Paulina in Acapulco, Mexico. She needed a bilateral stimulation method that children could self-administer in group settings without individual therapist contact. The butterfly metaphor was chosen because it was engaging for children, and the technique proved so effective that it was adopted globally for EMDR crisis intervention.

Can the butterfly hug help with anxiety outside of EMDR sessions?

Yes. The butterfly hug is widely used as a standalone self-regulation technique for managing anxiety, panic, and acute stress. Many EMDR therapists teach it as a coping tool for clients to use between sessions. The rhythmic bilateral tapping activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting calm. It can be done discreetly — for example, while sitting at a desk — making it practical for everyday stress management.

How long should I do the butterfly hug for it to be effective?

For self-regulation purposes, 1 to 3 minutes of butterfly hug tapping is typically sufficient to notice a calming effect. In clinical EMDR sessions, the therapist guides the duration based on the processing goals, with sets lasting 30 seconds to several minutes. There is no rigid time requirement — the key is maintaining a steady rhythm and paying attention to your internal experience until you feel a shift toward calm.