Anchoring in hypnotherapy is used to create mental and emotional associations between the desired emotional state and a certain stimulus that could be a word such as relax, sound such as playing a favorite tune, or touch such as tapping the fingers or the wrist. Once it has been established, the anchor can be activated to bring in the desired state. This process has been inspired by the Pavlovian’s dog conditioning. It is also used in Neuro Linguistic Programming.
Anchoring can be used for issues such as anxiety, stress, fear, phobias, low self-esteem, depression, pain, sleep problems, and trauma. It helps to relax, feel secure, feel confident, and manage emotional triggers and discomfort.
An effective, well-set, repetitive anchor can help to shift an individual’s emotional state. It could be a simple touch on the wrist or mentioning a specific word just as relax or safe. It can help individuals move from a state of unrest and unease to a state of calm, peace, and confidence.
A daily life example of anchoring is that many individuals may hear a specific happy song that was played in their past, and suddenly, feel the same emotions as they experienced at that moment. Just by listening to that song makes them relive all the happy memories and emotions once again.