I think you may be using a map to construct anchors, as they're referred to in NLP.

Yep, that's it precisely. How well that works is a function of how thoroughly you can get into the state you want to link. I personally find that sort of thing difficult because there's always a part of me that's focused on the technique... which means that part is not in the desired state.

This is why I don't care much for "classical" NLP, as its tools are all optimized for, well, other-optimizing rather than self-optimizing. If you're the NLPer keeping track of the procedure, then the subject is free to go into the pure states of whatever you're trying to anchor (not unlike a hypnotized person entering into belief they're a chicken or whatever). But if there's just one of you, it can be a lot more difficult.