Learn with Michael

This five hour training provides three hours of self-paced recorded presentations with Michael Allison 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.
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Michael and Dr. Porges

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. 


Pricing options

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The Play Zone

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

Play Zone Methodology

Extra Details

Your access will last for 365 days from the date of registration.

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

  • Your registration includes an invitation to attend an optional live one hour online discussion and Q&A held quarterly (every 3 months) on the last Thursday of the month from 2 to 3 pm ET. In this informal live discussion, we'll summarize what we've learned in The Play Zone course and discuss how we begin to embody Play Zone strategies and practices into our personal lives and professional work.

Course curriculum

    1. Play Zone Course Outline

      FREE PREVIEW

    2. The Play Zone 8 Minute Intro with Slide Deck

      FREE PREVIEW

    3. Psychology Today Article by Michael Allison May 2022

    4. The Play Zone - Glossary PDF

    1. Optional: Quarterly Live Discussion and Q&A

    1. Emotional support & other support resources

      FREE PREVIEW

    2. Diagram: Autonomic Nervous System States

      FREE PREVIEW

    3. 9 min intro video: Trauma and the nervous system: a polyvagal perspective

      FREE PREVIEW

    1. The Play Zone-Module 01

    2. The Play Zone - Module 1 PVI Presentation - Readable PDF

    1. The Play Zone-Module 02

    2. The Play Zone - Module 2 PVI Presentation - Readable PDF

    1. The Play Zone- Module 03

    2. The Play Zone - Module 3 PVI Presentation - Readable PDF

About this course

  • $199.00
  • 28 lessons

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...

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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.

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