Skip to main content

About Observed Experiential Integration (OEI)

OEI uses specific eye positions to help process trauma and reduce emotional distress. While our network of OEI practitioners is growing, you can explore therapists trained in eye movement and trauma-focused approaches.

Therapists

Want help finding the right therapist? Call or text us at 778-486-0068
  • Photo of Hao Yen Lim

    Hao Yen Lim

    Canadian Certified Counsellor

    • Virtual sessions in all provinces and territories.
  • Photo of Anna Loch

    Anna Loch

    Registered Clinical Counsellor

    • Offers in-person (Vancouver, BC)
    • Virtual sessions in all provinces and territories.
Browse all therapists

Observed Experiential Integration (OEI) is a therapeutic technique that uses specific eye positions to help process traumatic memories and reduce emotional distress. Developed from observations about how eye position affects emotional states, OEI helps people access and resolve distressing experiences that may be difficult to reach through talk therapy alone.

OEI shares similarities with other eye-based therapies in its understanding of the connection between eye position and emotional processing. If you're interested in these approaches, you can explore therapists on First Session who offer EMDR, Brainspotting, or other trauma-informed therapies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Observed Experiential Integration?

Observed Experiential Integration (OEI) is a therapeutic technique developed by Rick Bradshaw and Audrey Cook. It's based on the observation that different eye positions can access different emotional states and memories. By having clients move their eyes to specific positions while focusing on distressing material, therapists can help facilitate processing and resolution of traumatic experiences.

What are the benefits of OEI?

OEI may help reduce the emotional intensity of traumatic memories and distressing experiences. Many people find that specific eye positions can quickly access and resolve material that's been resistant to other approaches. OEI can complement other therapies and may produce rapid shifts in emotional states. It's often experienced as a gentle yet effective way to process difficult experiences.

Who might benefit from OEI?

OEI may be helpful for people dealing with trauma, anxiety, phobias, and other emotionally distressing experiences. Those who have found talk therapy limited in accessing certain issues sometimes find OEI helpful. It may appeal to people interested in body-based or experiential approaches to healing. OEI can work alongside other therapeutic methods.

How do I find an OEI practitioner?

OEI requires specialized training. While our network of OEI-trained therapists is growing, you can explore therapists on First Session who offer related eye-based therapies. EMDR and Brainspotting use similar principles about eye position and trauma processing. Look for therapists with training in bilateral stimulation or eye movement techniques.

Are there related approaches I could explore?

EMDR uses bilateral eye movements for trauma processing. Brainspotting uses eye positions to access subcortical brain activity. Somatic Experiencing works with body-based trauma processing. These approaches share OEI's understanding of the mind-body connection in healing.

How can First Session help me find trauma support?

First Session connects you with therapists who specialize in trauma and innovative healing approaches. Watch intro videos to learn about each therapist's methods, filter by trauma expertise, and book directly online. Many therapists offer free consultations to discuss their approach and whether it might work for your needs.

You deserve more from therapy.

You made the courageous decision to reach your full potential. Find the right therapist to help get you there, and make the most of the time and money you’re investing in yourself.

Find your therapist