Observed Experiential Integration (OEI)
What is Observed Experiential Integration (OEI)?
Observed Experiential Integration (OEI) is a trauma processing therapy designed to help individuals process difficult and traumatic events from their past. Derived from Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, OEI utilizes visual pathways to integrate both brain hemispheres, which can result in reduced anxiety and trauma symptoms.
OEI (Overcoming Emotional Intensity) is a type of therapy that helps people process psychological trauma through a re-imagining/recall of a specific intense experience. This experience-based approach helps reduce fight, flight, freeze, and numbing responses, allowing higher-level brain functioning to occur. OEI is different from other forms of therapy as it focuses on non-verbal, awareness of the body, emotional-level processing. OEI engages the processing of psychological trauma by recalling a specific intense experience, called the “target,” and using eye-switching techniques to re-integrate fragmented trauma experiences. This reprocessing helps to reduce trauma symptoms, ultimately resulting in the memories of the trauma no longer being associated with an intensely emotional experience.
The benefits of Observed Experiential Integration (OEI)
The benefits of Observed Experiential Integration (OEI) therapy include:
- Alleviation of trauma symptoms: OEI helps reduce symptoms related to traumatic experiences, such as anxiety, distressing memories, and emotional triggers.
- Treatment of various mental health issues: OEI is effective in treating conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, phobias, eating disorders, and issues stemming from childhood abuse and trauma.
- Improved emotional regulation: By processing traumatic experiences, individuals can develop healthier ways to manage and express their emotions.
- Enhanced self-worth and self-esteem: OEI can help individuals address negative self-talk and feelings of low self-worth that often accompany trauma.
- Support in overcoming toxic relationships: OEI can help individuals who have experienced abusive or toxic relationships by processing the associated trauma and empowering them to make healthier choices in future relationships.
- Integration of brain hemispheres: OEI works to integrate both brain hemispheres through visual pathways, fostering more efficient cognitive processing and emotional regulation.
- Long-term benefits: OEI equips individuals with tools and strategies to cope with trauma-related challenges in the future, promoting long-lasting healing and personal growth.
It’s essential to note that individual experiences and benefits may vary, and it is crucial to work with a qualified therapist to determine if OEI is the most suitable therapy for one’s specific needs.