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A Word from the Instructor
Contrary to popular culture, it’s not all in our head. The problem isn’t that we are mentally fragile, unable to control our emotions, or lack sufficient focus, skill or desire in the way we tend to think about it. The solution resides in meeting our body where it is.
What stands between our highest potential and how we perform in the pivotal moments is how our body adaptively responds to challenges (i.e. evaluation, competition, risk, uncertainty, etc.) and what we do about it. In fact, it’s not that we aren’t “good enough” to perform in the big moments, it’s that we aren’t in the physiological state that supports our being “good enough” when the pressure builds.
Together we will explore our body’s adaptive reactions to the challenges of performing, the predictable pattern of responses we all share, how our bodily state impacts every aspect of performance, and strategies we can employ to regain control of our physiology to support our goals, values and intentions.
We optimize “control” of our performance-- on and off the court, at work, or when on stage-- only through skillful, conscious and compassionate understanding of our physiology.
The Play Zone will show you how.
-Michael Allison
PVI Course Partner and
Developer of The Play Zone
Explore The Play Zone
When we feel safe, our body is in a physiological state supporting health, growth and restoration.
But when we feel unsafe, our body is interrupting homeostasis and enters survival mode, where we begin expending resources to attack, defend or escape, or start freezing and shutting down to conserve what resources we have left.
These adaptive survival responses are triggered autonomically, and can be felt when you are under pressure to perform-- whether on the court, on the stage, or in a big business meeting.
By understanding your physiology and using Polyvagal Theory as a guide to you own body-mind connection, you can tap into the unlimited potential of being in The Play Zone... that sweet spot where mobilized energy mixes with FUN and creativity.
Where do you find YOUR play zone?
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When immersed in your work?
Being silly with friends?
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During a big presentation?
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When competing?
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When performing?
Courses and Learning Opportunities
Live/Hybrid Certificate Course
Play Zone Pro:
A Polyvagal-Informed Certificate for Wellness & Performance Coaches
Regain control of your physiology to optimize the human experience, and lead your clients to do the same. Led by Michael Allison and Dr. Stephen Porges, this Certificate Course teaches wellness and performance coaches of all kinds how an understanding of the nervous system can empower us on the stage, in the boardroom, and on the court.
Free
Live Online Gatherings
Our Common Threads:
A Community Conversation Series
with Michael Allison
Join Michael Allison and his special guests for quarterly Community Conversations. Hear case studies from others who have studied The Play Zone curriculum, and learn from experts and colleagues about optimizing performance through an improved understanding of the nervous system. These events are free to attend and open to all; find details on the PVI Events page.
The
Self-Paced Course
The Play Zone:
A Neurophysiological Approach to Our Highest Performance
The Play Zone is a paradigm shift in performance psychology that masters the mental game of performance through the body.
In this self-paced course, Michael Allison leads you to discovering how your bodily state impacts your performance potential. Applicable to all disciplines, including individuals in leadership, business, performance, athletics, and education.
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.
-Susan Moini, MSW, LICSW, CSTP
Explore The Play Zone with these short video clips:
Why should I study at PVI?
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Polyvagal Institute, co-founded by Stephen Porges and Deb Dana, is the home of Polyvagal Theory. When you study with our experts, you can be confident that you are learning the most current research from the best in this field of study.
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PVI is proud to offer our high-touch, personalized learning experience. Our class sizes allow for more connection with your instructor and your fellow learners. Ask questions, engage in discussion, and make the most of your time together.
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Outside of your course sessions and focusing meetings, learners can continue to inquire and converse within a private, digital space in the Polyvagal Institute Online Community. You’ll be simultaneously immersed in the broader, supportive Polyvagal community of informed individuals, professionals and fellow learners.
Who Should Enroll?
Our courses are designed for a variety of educational backgrounds. Material is accessible to anyone with at least a high school diploma, equivalent secondary education, and beyond.
Mental health practitioners, life and wellness coaches, educators, executives and anyone interested in gaining a full understanding of both the science and the application of Polyvagal Theory. The core curriculum will be supplemented with some optional advanced readings to satiate learners with advanced degrees.
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