The Butterfly Hug
A step-by-step guide to the butterfly hug as a self-soothing practice, with safety guidance and a 7-day log of distress before and after.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Self-soothing · Bilateral tapping
- Approach / concern
- Somatic
- Technique
- Self-soothing · Bilateral tapping
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 1 page (US Letter / A4)
- Access
- Pro and Advanced plans (3-day free trial)
- For
- Licensed clinicians to use with clients
- Updated
- October 2026
Key facts
What is the The Butterfly Hug?
The butterfly hug is a self-administered bilateral stimulation technique developed by Lucina Artigas and Ignacio Jarero and used in EMDR early-intervention protocols. As a standalone practice, it is used for self-soothing and grounding.
Why it works
The butterfly hug was described for use in EMDR-based group and early mental health interventions (Artigas & Jarero, 2014). EMDR therapy uses bilateral stimulation within a structured protocol (Shapiro, 2018).
When to use it
- Self-soothing during anxiety or distress
- Children and adults after stressful events
- Between-session resourcing
- Group settings
How to use it in session
- Demonstrate the hand position.
- Practise briefly together with slow breathing.
- Check for any distressing material arising.
- Encourage brief practice when needed.
- Track distress before and after.
Clinician tips
- Keep it brief and gentle for self-soothing.
- Stop and ground if memories surface.
- Clarify that it is not a substitute for EMDR therapy.
Worked example
Sharing with clients
Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.
Frequently asked questions
Is the butterfly hug the same as EMDR?
No. It’s a technique used within some EMDR protocols, but on its own it’s a self-soothing practice, not EMDR therapy.
Can children use the butterfly hug?
Yes. It’s simple and often used with children, with adult guidance.
References
Artigas, L., & Jarero, I. (2014). The butterfly hug. In M. Luber (Ed.), Implementing EMDR early mental health interventions for man-made and natural disasters: Models, scripted protocols, and summary sheets (pp. 127-130). Springer Publishing.
Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy: Basic principles, protocols, and procedures (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.
This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.
