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

Voice, Performance and Speaking Coach Mathilde Shisko

For more than 25 years Mathilde has been a leading voice, performance and speaking coach based in Vancouver, Canada. Mathilde combines science, art, mindfulness and play, to help her clients realize their full vocal potential. She believes “when our voices are truly connected to our intention, our voice is clear, impactful and potent.” At her personal coaching studio, My Voice Coach, she coaches “anyone who needs to be heard.” Her clients include prominent politicians, artists, philanthropists, TEDx Speakers, entrepreneurs, health care providers, leaders in business and coaches in many domains. She continues to work in Theatre, Film and Television as an actor and as an Adjunct Professor at Kwantlen Polytechnic University in British Columbia, is the outgoing voice and senior instructor at the Vancouver Film School and continues to teach at Vancouver’s premier acting studio, McIlroy and Associates. She is the lead voice coach/consultant for international companies, providing group and individual coaching for those stepping into leadership roles or those wishing to find more ease and joy in their day to day communication with their teams and clients. She believes that VOICE truly is our vital natural resource for finding safety, connection and belonging. This has become her life’s work.

Pricing options

Student reviews

5 star rating

This course is a GAMECHANGER

Krista Resnick

I am beyond thrilled to have taken this course and learned the in's and out's of Polyvagal Theory. It has not only taken my coaching to a deeper level, but ...

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I am beyond thrilled to have taken this course and learned the in's and out's of Polyvagal Theory. It has not only taken my coaching to a deeper level, but it has also improved my life. I continue to rely on my rituals and practices to heal, grow, and expand my potential and 'aliveness.' I cannot recommend this course enough!

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5 star rating

Life changing experience

Giedre Plukiene

I loved this course, found it really useful firstly for my own personal development and performance, I feel equipped with better strength to continue my "pla...

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I loved this course, found it really useful firstly for my own personal development and performance, I feel equipped with better strength to continue my "play" in the times I want to quit or escape from the challenge:) . Having basic knowledge about PVT now, I would love to learn more and further on its application also in the area of team relationship and boundaries. Will look further for events and gatherings:) I appreciate not only the course itself, but the presence of community as well:). Thank you:)

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5 star rating

Superb!

Vanessa Harding

Excellent course with very good, detailed content to help understand applying Polyvagal theory to performance in the play zone.

Excellent course with very good, detailed content to help understand applying Polyvagal theory to performance in the play zone.

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5 star rating

Play Zone Pro class

Rana Guzman

This class has given me the opportunity to listen and learn from other provider’s experiences, insights and knowledge. PVI Play Zone has put a lot of what I’...

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This class has given me the opportunity to listen and learn from other provider’s experiences, insights and knowledge. PVI Play Zone has put a lot of what I’ve learned in my journey into perspective and has heightened my understanding and approach going forward with my own clients.

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5 star rating

Great!

Audrey Hazekamp

Easy to understand and apply

Easy to understand and apply

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