OEI Therapy and Polyvagal Theory: A Powerful Combination for Healing Trauma

In the evolving field of trauma therapy, two groundbreaking approaches have emerged as game-changers: Observed & Experiential Integration (OEI) therapy and Polyvagal Theory.

When combined, these modalities offer a comprehensive framework for understanding and treating trauma. This post explores how OEI therapy aligns with Polyvagal Theory to create a potent accelerated healing synergy.

Understanding Polyvagal Theory

Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, Polyvagal Theory describes three levels of our autonomic nervous system:

1. Ventral Vagal Complex (Social Engagement): Our safe and connected state.
2. Sympathetic Nervous System (Fight or Flight): Our mobilized stress response.
3. Dorsal Vagal Complex (Freeze): Our immobilized survival state.

These levels explain how our bodies respond to safety and threat, providing crucial insights into trauma responses.

OEI Therapy: A Brief Overview

OEI therapy, created by Audrey Cook and Rick Bradshaw, uses eye movements and sensory awareness to process traumatic memories. It’s known for its gentle, client-centered approach that can be less overwhelming than other trauma therapies.

How OEI Aligns with Polyvagal Theory

Safety First:

• OEI’s gentle approach helps clients maintain their “window of tolerance,” aligning with the Ventral Vagal state of safety and connection.
• This safety allows for deeper trauma processing without overwhelming the nervous system.

Regulating the Nervous System:

• OEI techniques can help shift clients from sympathetic arousal (Fight/Flight) or dorsal vagal shutdown (Freeze) back to the ventral vagal state.
• The eye movements and body awareness in OEI can serve as a “neural exercise” for the autonomic nervous system.

Titration of Experience:

• OEI allows for safe, gentle processing of traumatic material, respecting the body’s capacity and being attuned to the client’s nervous system state.
• Gradual Exposure: Introducing traumatic memories or experiences in small, manageable “doses.”
• Pacing: Going at a speed that feels safe and comfortable for the client.
• Control: Allowing the client to have control over how much they engage with difficult material.
• Safety: Ensuring the client doesn’t become overwhelmed or re-traumatized.
• Building Tolerance: Slowly increasing the client’s ability to handle trauma-related content.
• This prevents overwhelm and promotes a sense of safety and control.

Integrating Body and Mind:

• Both OEI and Polyvagal Theory emphasize the importance of body sensations in trauma processing.
• OEI’s focus on present-moment body awareness aligns with Polyvagal Theory’s emphasis on interoception.

Social Engagement:

• The attunement between therapist and client in OEI supports the social engagement system, a key aspect of Polyvagal Theory.
• This co-regulation can help clients feel safe enough to process difficult experiences.

Benefits of Combining OEI and Polyvagal Theory

• Enhanced trauma processing
• Improved emotional regulation
• Greater body awareness and interoception
• Increased sense of safety and control
• More effective nervous system regulation

How OEI Addresses All Three Levels of Polyvagal Theory

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 that are arranged in a hierarchy:

Ventral Vagal Complex (Social Engagement System)

• The most evolved and sophisticated response
• Associated with feelings of safety and social connection
• Promotes calm, relaxed states and social bonding
• Enables effective communication and self-regulation
• Characterized by normal heart rate, steady breathing, and relaxed muscles

Sympathetic Nervous System (Fight or Flight)

• Activated when the environment is perceived as challenging or threatening
• Prepares the body for action (fight or flight)
• Increases heart rate, breathing rate, and muscle tension
• Releases stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol
• Can lead to anxiety, anger, or panic if prolonged

Dorsal Vagal Complex (Freeze or Shutdown)

• The most primitive response, activated in extreme danger or overwhelm
• Causes a shutdown or dissociative state
• Decreases heart rate and breathing, leading to feeling faint or numb
• Can result in immobilization, dissociation, or depression
• Serves as a last-resort survival mechanism

Understanding these levels helps in recognizing and managing stress responses, and is particularly useful in trauma therapy and stress management techniques.

Integrating OEI and Polyvagal Theory for Effective Trauma Healing

Therapists integrating OEI and Polyvagal Theory are able to respond more intuitively and effectively to the unique needs of the client.

• Use OEI techniques to help clients shift out of fight/flight or freeze states
• Use OEI’s gentle approach to slowly build tolerance for trauma processing
• Emphasizes the therapeutic relationship as a source of co-regulation

The integration of OEI therapy and Polyvagal Theory offers a powerful, body-centered approach to trauma healing. By combining OEI’s gentle, effective techniques with the neurobiological insights of Polyvagal Theory, Accelerated OEI therapy provides a more comprehensive, nuanced, and treatment for clients dealing with trauma.