An ‘anchor’ is a powerful tool used in Hypnotherapy along with many other therapies. I will address how we use this technique in Hypnotherapy.
Whilst in trance, the Hypnotherapist asks the client to remember a time they enjoyed success of some sort or felt really good, powerful, confident etc.
Then the client is encouraged to enjoy those feelings, get back in touch with them and ‘anchor’ them by some physical action (usually pinching a finger and thumb together). This associates the feeling with the action.
Going forward the client is able to recreate these feelings in themselves by activating the anchor (pinching the finger and thumb together), so they can be called upon whenever they are needed.
Once you know this, you will see many people doing it. I’ve even seen a vicar doing it before giving a eulogy at a funeral.
