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.