OEI - Observed & Experiential Integration Therapy
What is OEI Therapy?
Evolved from EMDR in 1995-97, Observed & Experiential Integration (OEI) is a somatically-based psychotherapy to process psychological trauma. By engaging the visual pathways (through the eyes), OEI helps integrate posttraumatic material in the brain to reduce trauma-related symptoms, including overwhelming emotions (such as anxiety and grief). OEI therapy supports nervous system regulation, integration, and access to posttraumatic material inaccessible via “talk therapy”.
When Can OEI Therapy Be Helpful?
Although OEI is mostly used to process trauma and dissociation and formal research results support treatment of PTSD and Performance-Related Anxiety, 30 years of clinical findings support the use of OEI for treatment of:
- Agitated (Posttraumatic) Depression
- Generalized Anxiety & Panic Attacks
- Sexual Violence
- Childhood Trauma
- Phobias
- Eating Disorders
- Conflictual Relationships
- Negative Self-Talk
- Adoption or Foster Care
- Grief
- Addictions
Unique Aspects of OEI Therapy
OEI is a slow, gentle, and compassionate approach to trauma processing, allowing you to share as much or as little detail about the traumatic events. During therapy, we can focus on working with your emotional and somatic experiences that naturally arise, without the need to verbally recount the trauma. Additionally, you will gain OEI-specific tools that you can practice and implement at home, supporting your ongoing healing process. OEI can also be tailored to work with children, making it a versatile and accessible approach for all ages.
Curious about what OEI looks like?
In this short video, one of the founders, Dr. Rick Bradshaw, briefly explains OEI therapy. Case examples and video clips help bring the approach to life. This is a great introduction to how 1 of the 20 OEI techniques works, and what makes it unique.
How we can work with you
We provide individual counselling (both in-person and over the phone).
Treatments we offer
Art Therapy
Art therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy that integrates creative expression—such as drawing, painting, or sculpting—into the therapeutic process to support emotional, psychological, and cognitive well-being.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT, or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, is a practical and short-term type of psychotherapy, useful in treating conditions like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress conditions. It works by helping clients focus on the present, on the problems that come up in day-to-day life.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
DBT is a modified form of CBT, and it aims to teach people how to live in the moment, develop healthy ways to cope with stress, regulate their emotions, and improve their relationships with others.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT/EFIT)
EFT (for couples) and EFIT (for individuals) are therapeutic approaches that prioritize understanding and transforming emotional responses.
EMDR - Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, and it’s an integrative therapy used specifically for clients who have experienced trauma and many other mental health issues. It has been proven very effective in dealing with these conditions.
Gottman Couples Therapy
Gottman Couples Therapy is an approach that helps couples understand and manage their relationship dynamics through practical, research-based methods.
Observed & Experiential Integration (OEI)
OEI helps integrate posttraumatic material in the brain to reduce trauma-related symptoms, including overwhelming emotions (such as anxiety and grief) by engaging the visual pathways (through the eyes).
Play Therapy
Play Therapy is a highly regarded and evidence-based therapeutic modality for children.
Therapy for First Responders
We are proud to offer therapy services provided by Terresa and Dean, both trained through First Responder Health and listed in the Warrior Health directory, an initiative associated with Wounded Warriors.
Trauma-focused Therapy
Trauma-Focused Therapy (TFT) is designed specifically to help people confront and resolve the impacts of traumatic experiences.