Michael Allison

The Play Zone

A Neurophysiological Approach to Our Highest Performance

Explore Play Zone Pro

Self-paced, on demand

Work With the Nervous System, Not Against It

This is a training with Michael Allison with over three hours of self paced content in which he shares his unique application of Polyvagal Theory to performance psychology and deconstructs the theory into an accessible language we can understand and translate not only to performance, but into leading a polyvagal-informed life.

Who is this course for?

  • This course is recommended for athletes, performers, executives, teachers, and business leaders.

Enroll at $199 Payment Plans

Course Description

The intervening variable between our highest potential and our performance when it really matters is our bodily state. When we become aware that our body’s unconscious reactions follow a predictable sequence of survival, we can manage our bodily state to our advantage and optimize our resilience and performance.


The Play Zone develops a functional Hierarchy of Performance that aligns directly with the neurophysiological framework developed by Stephen W. Porges Ph.D. in the Polyvagal Theory. In this course, we will learn how to climb this Performance Hierarchy on demand through a variety of strategies, resources and relationships that utilize the integrated Social Engagement System. Physiologically, we learn how to contain our sympathetic mobilization in enough ventral vagal safety to turn it into play; engage and release our vagal brake and improve cardiac vagal tone; vagal efficiency - vital components for peak performance on any stage.


You will receive a Certificate of Completion upon finishing this course. 


The Play Zone

Regain control of your physiology to optimize the human experience, and lead your clients to do the same.

Play Zone Methodology

Course Reviews

5 star rating

Life-changing!

Irene Velasco

Michael, I just finished the play zone course, and I want you to know that I wish I had done it sooner. I am a licensed psychotherapist who has recently been...

Read More

Michael, I just finished the play zone course, and I want you to know that I wish I had done it sooner. I am a licensed psychotherapist who has recently been fascinated with the polyvagal theory. Also, personally, I started my running journey June of last year as a 55-year-old woman who didn't have any athletic background. In fact, I would do anything to avoid P.E. And in the Philippines, exercise was considered vanity and a distraction to completing education. Also, women in the Philippines don't run. Men do. I fell in love with running, to my surprise. Since I started the journey, I have been able to complete a full marathon and a 50k! And yesterday, for the first time, I did my long run (15 miles) applying the principles of the Play Zone. And it was MAGIC! No kidding! I finished my long run feeling good and not exhausted! I can't believe it. It's hard to believe that by creating/finding safety in your own body and in the environment through awareness of our bodily states, shifting the way we breathe, exercising your facial muscles, you'd be able to perform with less pain and discomfort. The principles of play zone are so applicable to day-to-day life. It's really hard to learn, be happy, and be satisfied with life when you don't feel safe and connected.

Read Less

Instructor(s)

Performance Consultant, Educator, & Author Michael Allison

Michael Allison is a globally recognized performance consultant, educator, and author who specializes in applying Polyvagal Theory to enhance health, resilience, and performance. He has trained hundreds of consultants and coaches as Play Zone Pros©, a methodology endorsed by Stephen W. Porges, Ph.D. Michael's expertise is sought by elite professionals across major sports organizations, including MLB, NBA, ATP, WTA, FIFA, ITF, NCAA, and others. As a contributing author for Psychology Today, he explores the physiological, psychological, and social challenges of performing in high-stakes environments in his platform titled "The Pressure Paradox." Michael is a speaker and educational partner with the Polyvagal Institute, where he is recognized as a leading expert on its flagship course. He is the co-author of "Polyvagal Parenting" (New Harbinger, 2026) and has contributed to multiple books in the Norton Professional Series, including co-authoring "Empathy to Compassion: A Two-Step Physiological Process" with Stephen W. Porges, Ph.D. Additionally, he is a featured speaker at major global conferences, including Oxford University’s Master Series, The Polyvagal Institute's International Gathering, Global Exchange Conference, and Psychological Safety Day. His work bridges neuroscience and performance to help individuals and teams thrive under pressure. Email Address: [email protected] Website: www.theplayzone.net

Learn at PVI

The Founding Home of Polyvagal Theory™

We believe our courses and trainings offer the most up-to-date information on Polyvagal Theory and its applications. When you enroll in a course or attend an event from Polyvagal Institute, you're supporting an international non-profit dedicated to increasing safety and connection across the world.

Hero Image

Payment Plans

All learners will have access to the course for one year.