Anchor-Based Approach
A clearer way to understand what is keeping life unstable—and where change can begin.
The Anchor-Based Approach turns a broad sense of feeling stuck or overwhelmed into a practical map of the life areas that need attention. It connects psychological insight with focused action that can be reviewed and refined over time.
The central idea
Stability is built across the parts of life that hold us.
The Anchor-Based Approach was developed by Dr Hanan Bushkin for work with anxiety, trauma, panic, phobias and wider life-instability. It begins with a simple but important question: which parts of life are helping you stay steady, and which have become sources of strain?
These parts of life—such as sleep, health, work, relationships, routine and environment—are called anchors. Seeing them together can reveal patterns that are easy to miss when every problem is considered separately. Therapy then turns the map into priorities, practical strategies and actions that can be reviewed over time.
The shift
From “I feel overwhelmed” to a clearer understanding of what is happening and where to begin.
Feelings remain central, but the conversation also looks at what is happening in sleep, relationships, work, family, health, routines, environment and daily behaviour. This creates more places where meaningful change can begin.
The framework
A clearer path from anchors to action.
Explore how a broad sense of instability becomes a focused plan: first understanding the anchors, then choosing priorities, strategies and manageable actions, and finally reviewing what is changing.
How this could look · Anchors
Map what is holding life steady—or pulling it off balance.
Poor sleep, avoidance and work pressure can form one connected pattern. Mapping it reveals a practical place to begin.
The framework remains specific to the person; these examples show how each stage moves the work forward.
For detailed information about the framework, professional training and ABA resources, visit the official Anchor-Based Approach website.
Visit the official ABA websiteTreatment options
One framework, shaped around different needs.
The same framework can support different kinds of therapeutic work because the map and the priorities are built around the individual. Open an option to see how the framework is applied.
Anxiety-focused ABA treatment
For people struggling with worry, avoidance, overthinking, emotional overwhelm, panic-like activation or disruption in daily life.
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Anxiety-focused ABA treatment
For people struggling with worry, avoidance, overthinking, emotional overwhelm, panic-like activation or disruption in daily life.
View treatment detailWho it is designed for
People whose anxiety is affecting routines, decision-making, work, relationships or daily functioning.
The focus of the work
The work targets worry loops, avoidance, reassurance patterns, emotional overwhelm and the life anchors that are becoming unstable.
How anchors are used
The map examines sleep, work rhythm, family responsibilities, social contact, health routines and daily behaviour.
What progress looks like
Progress is reflected in clearer routines, reduced avoidance and small, trackable behaviours that support steadier functioning.
The framework gives treatment a clear structure while the priorities, strategies and pace remain specific to the individual.
Trauma-focused ABA treatment
For people whose trauma symptoms are affecting safety, relationships, work, sleep, emotional regulation or sense of self.
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Trauma-focused ABA treatment
For people whose trauma symptoms are affecting safety, relationships, work, sleep, emotional regulation or sense of self.
View treatment detailWho it is designed for
People whose trauma responses are disrupting safety, trust, regulation, sleep or day-to-day stability.
The focus of the work
The work focuses on stabilisation, routines, relationship patterns, emotional regulation and practical safety.
How anchors are used
The map examines sleep, safety cues, supportive relationships, home environment, work demands and body regulation.
What progress looks like
Progress is reflected in improved stability, clearer support structures and practical behaviours that strengthen day-to-day functioning.
The framework gives treatment a clear structure while the priorities, strategies and pace remain specific to the individual.
Panic and phobia-focused ABA treatment
For people struggling with panic attacks, avoidance, driving anxiety, flying anxiety, health anxiety or fear-based restriction.
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Panic and phobia-focused ABA treatment
For people struggling with panic attacks, avoidance, driving anxiety, flying anxiety, health anxiety or fear-based restriction.
View treatment detailWho it is designed for
People whose fear of panic, phobic triggers or avoidance is restricting movement, independence or ordinary activities.
The focus of the work
The work targets fear cycles, safety behaviours, avoided situations and practical steps towards fuller functioning.
How anchors are used
The map examines mobility, independence, travel, work tasks, health routines and trusted support.
What progress looks like
Progress is reflected in deliberate steps, reduced avoidance and greater participation in ordinary life.
The framework gives treatment a clear structure while the priorities, strategies and pace remain specific to the individual.
Life-stability focused work
For people who are not in crisis but feel stuck, overwhelmed or unable to build consistent progress in important areas of life.
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Life-stability focused work
For people who are not in crisis but feel stuck, overwhelmed or unable to build consistent progress in important areas of life.
View treatment detailWho it is designed for
People who are not in immediate crisis but feel stuck, inconsistent, overwhelmed or unable to create momentum.
The focus of the work
The work identifies key areas of instability and turns them into practical projects, daily structure and realistic behavioural goals.
How anchors are used
The map examines sleep, exercise, work, relationships, finances, environment, routines and personal responsibility.
What progress looks like
Progress is reflected in clearer priorities, steadier routines and consistent daily action that can be reviewed over time.
The framework gives treatment a clear structure while the priorities, strategies and pace remain specific to the individual.
Parent / family-supported ABA work
For cases where family systems, parenting, adolescent behaviour, routines or home structure are part of the treatment picture.
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Parent / family-supported ABA work
For cases where family systems, parenting, adolescent behaviour, routines or home structure are part of the treatment picture.
View treatment detailWho it is designed for
Situations where family routines, parenting, adolescent behaviour or home structure are part of the clinical picture.
The focus of the work
The work focuses on routines, boundaries, communication, responsibility and the patterns that affect stability at home.
How anchors are used
The map examines morning and evening routines, school or work expectations, family communication, sleep and shared responsibilities.
What progress looks like
Progress is reflected in clearer structure, more consistent behaviour and stronger alignment between treatment goals and home life.
The framework gives treatment a clear structure while the priorities, strategies and pace remain specific to the individual.
Online / hybrid ABA treatment
For people who need structured psychological support online or through a combination of in-person and online sessions.
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Online / hybrid ABA treatment
For people who need structured psychological support online or through a combination of in-person and online sessions.
View treatment detailWho it is designed for
People who need online or mixed in-person and online support because of location, schedule or continuity needs.
The focus of the work
The work combines structured treatment planning, regular review, practical behavioural tasks and continuity between sessions.
How anchors are used
The map examines home environment, digital routines, work schedule, support systems and between-session behaviour.
What progress looks like
Progress is reflected in consistent tracking, clearer between-session tasks and practical review of what is changing.
The framework gives treatment a clear structure while the priorities, strategies and pace remain specific to the individual.
A responsible treatment plan
The approach is structured, but never one-size-fits-all.
Treatment begins with understanding the person rather than fitting them into a formula. The pace, priorities and methods are established through clinical judgement and refined as the work develops.
Take the first step
A short message is enough.
Choose the contact method that feels easiest. Reception will guide the next step. Please avoid sensitive clinical details in your first message.