I don't think this is working

I saw a new counsellor on Monday and they suggested tapping myself or otherwise touching my body in some way as a reinforcement technique for positive self-talk. I've been trying it today since I've been alone at work for most of it and that always keads to negative thoughts, but it's just making me feel really tense and on edge and a bit anxious. I can hear the positive self-talk when I do it but also having the tensing reaction at the same time. I don't know if this counts as working or not but it feels more unhelpful than helpful.