ACT Skill: Anchoring
Are you looking for a valuable skill to help you manage racing thoughts and overwhelming emotions or situations? Allow me to introduce a technique I frequently incorporate early in therapy sessions. This technique, known as ACE or Anchoring (alternatively referred to as Dropping Anchor), has proven to be an invaluable tool to many of my clients. This technique was introduced to me in one of Russ Harris’ courses on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Anchoring, at its core, entails engaging with A.C.E principles, which encompass: A cknowledging your thoughts and feelings: In this step, you are encouraged to observe your inner experience without judgment. You might simply utter to yourself, “I notice a sense of sadness", or "I am experiencing frustration", or even "My mind is attempting to protect me again". C onnecting with your body: This action serves as a reminder that you are in control of your body, even if your thoughts and emotions remain unruly