Competitive Athletes
Coaches
Business Leaders & Executive Coaches
Corporate Teams & Organizations
Performers
Teams
The Play Zone: Optimizing Performance On Demand
The Play Zone is that state where our performance matches our potential - that space where time expands, we feel present, relaxed and in control, and we tap into our deepest levels of creativity, concentration and connection. Contrary to popular culture, it’s not all in our heads - we can’t think our way into peak performance.
The intervening variable between our highest potential and our performance when it really matters is our physiological state regulated by our autonomic nervous system. When we become aware of how our body’s unconscious reactions follow a predictable hierarchy of responses, we can skillfully manage our physiology to our advantage & regain control of our bodily state to optimize resilience & performance.
This course is ideal for high performers of any kind, especially those in competitive environments including high level athletes, sports coaches, business leaders, life coaches, executive coaches, negotiators, teams, managers and organizations.
ABOUT THE COURSE
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.
This 4-hour training provides 3 hours of on-demand recorded presentations with Michael Allison where 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. This course includes a 1-hour recorded dialog between Michael Allison and Dr. Porges where they dive into the Play Zone together, and dig deeper into the concepts embedded in this course. It concludes with a Live 1-hour Q & A session with the course instructor Michael Allison.
Whether you are an athlete, coach, leader of an organization, or performer of any kind - the neurophysiological approach you will learn in this course will improve every aspect of your practice, preparation, performance and adaptability on and off “the court” including your overall health, relationships and quality of life.
Module 1: The Play Zone Introduction - Methodology and Principles of Polyvagal Theory (Michael Allison)
Module 2: A Container of Safety - Developing strategies, resources and relationships to find safety, comfort and control in the most challenging situations and conditions. (Michael Allison)
Module 3: Body, Mind & Belief - A physiological perspective for building mindset, confidence and mental resilience from the inside out. (Michael Allison)
Module 4: A dynamic Play Zone discussion between Michael Allison and Stephen W. Porges, Ph.D. exploring the principles of PVT applied to optimizing performance and resilience. (Michael Allison & Dr. Porges)
Module 5: Join LIVE Zoom Meetups the last Wednesday of each month with Michael Allison!
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
Michael Allison
Michael Allison consults with professional, collegiate and high performing coaches, teams, organizations, athletes and performers in a variety of disciplines, as well as corporate executives, leaders and companies. He is a Health & Performance Coach, Personal Trainer, Medical Exercise Specialist, Post Rehab Specialist and Certified Oxygen Advantage Breathwork Instructor. Michael is the creator of The Play Zone (www.theplayzone.net) and author of SMARTER Coaching, a certified behavior change course accredited by the American Council on Exercise. In addition, he is a certified ILS Safe & Sound Provider/Remote Provider and Focus System Training Provider. With more than 25 years of experience in the fitness & wellness industry, he is the founder (1999) and co-owner of Physical Focus Inc. in Santa Barbara, California (www.physicalfocus.com) and leads a Polyvagal-informed team of personal trainers, fitness instructors, health coaches, nutritionists and body workers. Most importantly, Michael is a husband of 22+ years to his wife Jamie, a teacher-librarian, and father of two beautiful daughters, Kate (21) and Samantha (17).
Stephen W. Porges, PhD
Stephen W. Porges, Ph.D. is Distinguished University Scientist at Indiana University where he is the founding director of the Traumatic Stress Research Consortium in the Kinsey Institute. He is Professor of Psychiatry at the University of North Carolina, and Professor Emeritus at both the University of Illinois at Chicago and the University of Maryland. He served as president of the Society for Psychophysiological Research and the Federation of Associations in Behavioral & Brain Sciences and is a former recipient of a National Institute of Mental Health Research Scientist Development Award. He is the originator of the Polyvagal Theory, a theory that emphasizes the importance of physiological state in the expression of behavioral, mental, and health problems related to traumatic experiences. He is also the creator of a music-based intervention, the Safe and Sound Protocol ™, which is used by therapists to improve language processing, state regulation, and spontaneous social engagement.
Go PRO! Become a Polyvagal Informed Certificated Coach
Applying PVT to regain control of our physiology to optimize wellness, performance and the human experience. Follow the link below to continue your education with this certification endorsed by The Play Zone, Stephen W. Porges, Ph.D & Polyvagal Institute.
Testimonials
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Dr. Heather Abernethy
“If you're looking to enhance your game both on and off the court, Michael Allison's Play Zone is your ticket. The Play Zone is a scientifically-based approach to optimize performance by examining how stressors impact our nervous system. When we understand our body's unique reactions, we view our weaknesses through a lens of curiosity instead of criticism stimulating our strengths and development. Michael offers tangible tools to tune into your body's signals and bring yourself into a state of attuned focus and fierceness. After watching The Play Zone, you will have a new appreciation for your body and an understanding of how to harness your nervous system for optimal performance in whatever arena you choose to excel. “
Dr. Heather Abernethy
Dr. Heather Abernethy is an Anesthesiologist, a speaker and a writer who is passionate about helping people feel at home in their bodies and empowered to live their best life. She provides Craniosacral Therapy, Somatic Techniques, and Trauma Release Exercises®️ -
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Dr. Marcos Cajina
“The Play Zone combines a rigorous understanding of Polyvagal Theory explained in simple terms with Michael’s wealth of experience helping clients perform on and off the court of tennis. When most organisations and consultants focus on pulling teams and people out of the threat zone, it is refreshing to learn how to access and stay in the Play Zone, where high performance naturally happens. In addition, I appreciated the glossary of terms that aids the understanding of the content, which is crafted carefully in an attractive series of PowerPoint presentations.”
Dr. Marcos Cajina
Founder and CEO Renewal
Nine-time recipient of the Teaching Excellence Award at IE B-School
Visiting Professor Physiology and Resilience, the EXMBA Brown University-IE programme, Play Zone PRO PV-Informed Certificated Coach -
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Mathilde Shisko
Michael Allison’s unbridled curiosity into Dr Stephen Porges’ Polyvagal Theory, has led him to a revelatory investigation of how we optimize performance in “The Play Zone.” Michael has an ability to make things “make sense” in a way that resounds with the listener. He is passionate about making a difference and titrates the work so it is never overwhelming, but welcoming. His thoughtful and detailed exploration in “The Play Zone” invites us to be the best we can be. It is illuminating, informative and intuitive and in my opinion, if you have to get up in front of people in any arena you need to do this course!
Mathilde Shisko, Voice Coach
Mattie works with individuals and clients from the following select organizations:Federal Members of Parliament, Members of The Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, North Vancouver Mayor's Office, The NOW Group, Earnscliffe Strategies, CUPE, ICBC, Ministry of Health British Columbia, Vancouver Film School, Andrew McIlroy and Associates, Play Zone PRO PV-Informed Certificated Coach
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Darin Davidson, MD
“I completed Michael Allison’s course, The Play Zone. It is a truly remarkable and game changing course. Not only does Michael distill and teach the complexities and nuances of Polyvagal Theory in a readily understandable fashion, he also applies the concepts in a novel domain. His application of the theory in the realm of human performance is a groundbreaking paradigm that sets the foundation for all of us to perform at our best in any and all domains of life. Through the use of well considered and explained examples from top tennis players in the world, Michael clearly demonstrates how instrumental the understanding and application of Polyvagal Theory is to human performance and the critical importance of living a Polyvagal-informed life! I give Michael’s course my highest and most sincere recommendation!”
Darin Davidson, MD
Orthopaedic surgeon
Founder of Darin Davidson, MD Consulting
Integrating high performance skills for healthcare professionals, Play Zone PRO PV-Informed Certificated Coach -
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Bruno Izaac
“As a French mental coach for high level athletes, I was looking for a course relating to high performance and Polyvagal Theory in order to improve the quality of my work! Michael's course was definitely above my expectations! He's done an awesome job with his Play Zone - it's very easy to understand, full of examples in sports, and a perfect balance between theory and practice. I really enjoyed the different tools, videos, pdf’s, exercise sheets and I found his course very useful and helpful in my work! Plus, Michael has been easy to reach, open to discuss and exchange ideas about our practices! To sum up, I highly recommend the Play Zone course if you desire to create not only a big difference in those you coach, but also in your own life!”
Bruno Izaac
Mental Health Coach, Play Zone PRO PV-Informed Certificated Coach -
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Adam Gust
“What a wonderful experience studying Polyvagal Theory in Performance. The instructor and cohort exhibited such welcome enthusiasm and intelligence in a supportive online learning environment. I am honored to be the first musician certified to bring this groundbreaking science into the world of drumming.”
Adam Gust
Adam is a professional drummer based in Los Angeles connecting rhythm, body, and mind. Play Zone PRO PV-Informed Certificated Coach -
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Nicola Vanlint
“I found this course very informative and useful to how to use the Polyvagal Theory to athletes. It will combine perfectly with my experience of Attachment-based Therapy and Trauma. I found the PowerPoint presentation very useful as a visual of the difference between stares. I will certainly be enrolling in another of Michael's courses.”
Nicola Vanlint
Body-oriented Psychotherapist - Specialising in Injury Rehabilitation & Prevention | Championing Mental Health & Wellbeing in Sport -
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Dr. Amber Elizabeth Gray
“The Play Zone is s dynamic application of Dr. Porges Polyvaagl Theory to the world of Sports, and by extension, movement. While the course focuses on Tennis, this unique adaptation of Polyvagal Theory is relevant for anyone with a body who moves through the world. Michael Allison clearly and creatively explains the fundamentals of Polyvagal Theory with competitive tennis as a metaphor and as literal example. The Play Zone's examples of some of Tennis’ most memorable players and moments are clearly deconstructed as the physiological states that “precede” our emerging and pattered behaviors. Whether or not we play sports, this course will illuminate new possibilities for how we engage with challenges and celebrate our ability to embody and express our playfulness.”
Dr. Amber Elizabeth Gray
Licensed human rights psychotherapist, innovative movement artist, board certified dance/movement therapist, master trainer and educator, Continuum teacher, and public health professional. -
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Beth Kurland, Ph.D.
“This was an OUTSTANDING certificate course jam packed with video lessons, written material, and abundant resources organized in such a way as to optimize learning! This was truly an online course at its finest, with wonderful opportunities for live interactive sessions as well. I came in with a relatively strong background in polyvagal theory and yet found that I learned a ton, and learned it in such a way that I can now apply it more confidently in both my personal life and in my professional life as a therapist and wellness coach. Michael Allison's warmth and caring, and his ability to connect through this material is a testament to him embodying what he teaches. The teaching style was excellent, clear and engaging and there were just the right amount of repetition, reinforcement and interactive exercises to have this material sink in on a deep level. I couldn't wait to engage in new materials each week. This class has been transformative to me and the way I practice, and I hope to the patients/clients with whom I work.”
Beth Kurland, Ph.D.
Beth Kurland, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist, mind-body wellness coach, Tedx speaker, and author of three award winning books: Dancing on The Tightrope: Transcending the Habits of Your Mind and Awakening to Your Fullest Life; The Transformative Power of Ten Minutes: An Eight Week Guide to Reducing Stress and Cultivating Well-Being; and Gifts of the Rain Puddle: Poems, Meditations and Reflections for the Mindful Soul. -
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Susan Moini, MSW, LICSW, CSTP
The Play Zone Polyvagal Informed certificate course is a game changer. It provides a groundbreaking framework for understanding and optimizing our nervous system, so that we can live life fully, connected, and ready to thrive. Through a compelling blend of theoretical knowledge and practical exercises grounded in Polyvagal Theory, Michael Allison teaches tools to navigate internal physiological states with greater awareness and control. I’ve been studying the complexities of the Polyvagal Theory for over ten years and found that Michael Allison possesses a remarkable talent for unraveling intricate concepts with clarity and composure so that the material is easily understood and readily applicable to clients. With Allison’s guidance, even seasoned veterans can rediscover the practical elements of the Polyvagal Theory and learn how to maximize potential in the Play Zone.
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Cynthia Paciulli Barbarits, MD
This has been an amazing course, not only for the content but also for the level of support and discussion of real-time applications of principles through regular meetup sessions.
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Franka van Essen, Voice Coach
The PLAY Zone PRO was the missing link in my polyvagal journey! As a singing teacher, performance coaching is a big part of what I do. Working with Michael and Mattie has been an absolute joy! The course has helped me a lot in understanding and translating polyvagal language from a place of trauma into the performance domain. It has also made me realize that a lot of things I already did intuitively are actually backed up by hard science. The course itself is a helpful mixture of video content and written articles. The questions and assignments at the end of every chapter help you stay on track. I would recommend every coach to take this course. We need more compassionate guides in this world. Free of shame and blame and working from a place of shared humanity. That is what the PLAY Zone is about!
