OEI Therapy vs EMDR: A Comprehensive Comparison for Trauma Treatment

Trauma therapy has evolved significantly in recent years, with innovative approaches like Observed & Experiential Integration (OEI) therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) gaining prominence.

, to help you understand which might be most effective for your healing journey.

What is OEI Therapy?

OEI therapy, evolved from EMDR and was developed by Audrey Cook and my mentor, Dr. Rick Bradshaw. It has been used for over 2 decade to treat intense trauma. Observed & Experiential Integration (OEI ) therapy focuses on using visual pathways to reduce anxiety and trauma, similar to EMDR; however, OEI uses slower eye movement, an experiential orientation and a flexible application rather than EMDR’s process driven approach.

OEI therapy can be blended with other modalities to better meet the preferences and unique needs of clients experiencing trauma. Accelerated OEI therapy uses the brain’s visual pathways and further integrate OEI sensory awareness to accelerate healing, which enables client to experience shifts and better outcomes that can make a noticeable difference in a just a few hours.

Observed & Experiential Integration therapy enables clients to safely and gently process traumatic memories and reduce their emotional impact through assimilative integration of neurobiological theories such as, neuro-activation, microattunement during trauma processing, ocular proprioception, and addresses all three levels of polyvagal theory – read more about Healing Trauma with OEI Therapy and Polyvagal Theory here.

Key features of OEI therapy include:

1. Alternating visual field stimulation
2. Integration of body sensations
3. Mindful awareness of thoughts and emotions
4. Gentle, client-centered approach

OEI Therapy vs EMDR: Key Differences

While both OEI and EMDR use eye movements in trauma processing, there are several distinctions:

Approach:

• OEI is more flexible and intuitive
• EMDR follows a structured protocol

Duration:

• OEI sessions can be shorter and less intense
• EMDR typically requires longer sessions

Client Involvement:

• OEI encourages active client participation
• EMDR is more therapist-directed

Focus:

• OEI emphasizes body sensations and present experiences to access transformation
• EMDR targets specific traumatic memories

Bilateral Stimulation:

• OEI uses primarily visual stimulation, slower and more gentle stimulation
• EMDR incorporates various forms of bilateral stimulation

Benefits of OEI Therapy

✔️ Gentle and less overwhelming for clients triggered by past trauma

✔️ Effective for complex trauma

✔️ Integrates well with other therapeutic approaches, to create accelerated outcomes

✔️ May work faster for some individuals.

✔️ Slow and gentle wins the race. You can go slower to get there faster with OEI therapy.

When to Choose OEI over EMDR

Consider OEI therapy if:

☑️ You’re sensitive to strong emotional experiences

☑️ You don’t want to revivify your trauma

☑️ You prefer a more intuitive, client-led approach

☑️ You have complex or developmental trauma

☑️ You don’t want to talk about your trauma or remember it

☑️ You find EMDR too intense and its process too rigid

Effectiveness of OEI Therapy

While research on OEI is still emerging, early studies and clinical observations suggest it can be highly effective for:

• PTSD
• Anxiety disorders
• Depression
• Chronic pain
• Dissociative disorders

Both OEI therapy and EMDR offer powerful tools for trauma healing. OEI’s gentle, flexible approach may be particularly beneficial for those who might find EMDR challenging or overwhelming.

Accelerated OEI therapy can bring relief to trauma and noticeable shifts in just a few hours that can continue to integrate and process even after the session.

Let’s connect.