Bilateral Stimulation Research-backed

Self-Tapping Guide

Large alternating left/right visual cues to pace self-administered tapping (butterfly hug, knee-tap) when eye movements are contraindicated.

This is a reference tool, not a replacement for EMDR therapy. EMDR must be delivered by a trained clinician. If you are using these tools outside of therapy and become distressed, stop, ground yourself, and contact a mental health professional.

Before you start

Not recommended for home use without clinician supervision.

Open in fullscreen

Speed (Hz) 1.0 Passes / set 24

0 / 24

Tap your own knees / shoulders / butterfly hug in time with the highlighted side.

This tool uses motion by design. If that's uncomfortable, consider the audio-only or butterfly-hug tool instead.

Clinical sources

Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures, 3rd ed. Guilford Press.
Artigas, L., Jarero, I., et al. (2000). EMDR and traumatic stress after natural disasters: Butterfly Hug. Poster, EMDRIA Conference, Toronto. (Technique originated 1998, first citable presentation 2000.)

What this is

Large alternating left/right visual cues that pace self-tapping (butterfly hug, knee tapping, alternating shoulder tap). Used when eye movements are not tolerated — the client taps themselves in sync with the visual pulses.

When to use it

When eye-movement BLS is contraindicated — severe activation, photophobia, visual impairment.
When a client prefers body-based BLS or has already learned to self-administer.
In telehealth sessions where the therapist wants to pace the client’s own tapping rhythm from a shared screen.

Clinical notes

Unlike the visual BLS tool (which asks the client to track with their eyes), this tool is a metronome — the client doesn’t watch it continuously, they use it to keep a steady tapping rhythm. The visual is deliberately large and high-contrast so it’s readable in peripheral vision.