What is Self-Energy? Integrating IFS, Somatic Experiencing, and Polyvagal Theory
The idea of "Self-energy” is central to Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy. Self is often described as the compassionate, curious, and confident core within each of us. This Self-energy is the essence of who we are when we’re not overwhelmed by activation, triggers, or the burdens of our "parts".
The good news is that Self is already within all of us. It is not something we need to create. It just is. It can sometimes feel hard to find or connect with, but reclaiming Self-energy is possible.
To understand how to embody Self-energy, let’s explore it through the combined lenses of IFS, Somatic Experiencing, and Polyvagal Theory.
Self-Energy in Internal Family Systems (IFS)
In IFS, Self is the internal leader capable of fostering harmony among our parts. These parts can include wounded exiles, protective managers, and firefighters—all of which serve important roles but can become overburdened. Our parts often work very hard to protect us, and in carrying out their roles they frequently get triggered, activated, or dysregulate the system. When Self-energy is accessible, it allows us to approach these parts with curiosity, compassion, and calm, ultimately facilitating healing and integration form a regulated and grounded place.
However, life stressors and unresolved trauma can disconnect us from our true essence. Instead of leading with the Self, we may find ourselves dominated by protective or reactive parts. Reclaiming Self-energy involves creating a safe internal space where parts feel seen, heard, and understood—a process that deeply resonates with somatic and polyvagal perspectives.
The Somatic Experiencing Connection
Somatic Experiencing (SE) emphasizes the body’s role in trauma resolution. Trauma, from this perspective, is not just a psychological wound but a disruption in the body’s natural ability to regulate and return to a state of safety and ease.
When viewed through the lens of SE, Self-energy can be understood as the physiological state of regulation. When we’re grounded in Self-energy, our nervous system is in a place of balance—not hyper-aroused (fight/flight) or shut down (freeze). This embodied sense of safety creates the conditions for Self-energy to emerge.
In practice, learning to reconnect with Self-energy might include getting support from an experienced therapist to help you:
Tune into the body’s sensations.
Pendulate between dysregulated states and resources of safety.
Gradually release stored survival energy to allow for greater calm and presence.
Somatic Experiencing teaches us that the body’s capacity to tolerate sensation is key to accessing Self-energy. A regulated body supports a regulated mind, which allows the Self to engage with parts without overwhelm or avoidance.
Polyvagal Theory and Self-Energy
Polyvagal Theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, provides a map of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and its role in regulating safety and connection. The ANS operates across three primary states:
Ventral Vagal: A state of safety, social engagement, and regulation.
Sympathetic: A state of fight or flight.
Dorsal Vagal: A state of shutdown or freeze.
When we are anchored in the ventral vagal state, we’re more likely to experience the qualities of Self-energy—calmness, curiosity, connection, and compassion. Conversely, when we’re in a sympathetic or dorsal vagal state, parts may take over as the nervous system prioritizes survival over connection.
Bringing Polyvagal Theory into the discussion highlights the importance of creating an environment that fosters safety—internally and externally. Practices such as co-regulation (connecting with safe others), deep breathing, and grounding techniques can shift the nervous system into ventral vagal mode, paving the way for Self-energy to come forward.
An Integrated Approach: IFS, SE, and Polyvagal in Practice
By integrating IFS, Somatic Experiencing, and Polyvagal Theory, we see Self-energy as an integration of body, mind, and spirit. Here’s how this integration might look in a session with one of our experienced therapists:
Attuning to Parts and Sensations: Begin by noticing protective or wounded parts and the corresponding sensations in the body. For example, a part carrying fear might manifest as tightness in the chest.
Creating Safety for Parts: Use somatic techniques, such as grounding or orienting to the environment, to signal safety to the nervous system. When the body feels safe, parts are more likely to relax their defenses.
Inviting Self-Energy: From this regulated place, invite Self-energy to approach parts with curiosity and compassion. This may involve dialoguing with a part while staying attuned to the body’s signals.
Regulating in Real-Time: If overwhelm arises, use SE and Polyvagal-informed techniques to pendulate between activation and regulation. This helps maintain connection to Self-energy even in challenging moments.
Integration: As parts unburden and release their protective roles, the body’s sense of safety deepens. Over time, this creates a positive feedback loop where Self-energy becomes more accessible.
Starting to incorporate IFS and somatic therapy into your daily life is an important step towards taking charge of you physical and mental health.
Therapy provides a supportive environment where you can receive individualized, heart-centered support in your exploration of parts work and somatic therapy.
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If you're ready to start taking steps toward Self-energy with the support of IFS and somatic therapy, consider reaching out to schedule a consultation. Together, we can explore how these modalities can work with you to create lasting change and healing. Take the first step towards a more compassionate, embodied, and authentic life today.