Performance Optimization in Athletes, the Arts, Business and Beyond - through Nervous System Regulation and Physiological Atunement, based in Polyvagal Theory - with Michael Allison - Episode #65

Michael Allison has partnered with The Polyvagal Institute and Stephen W. Porges Ph.D. in providing education and coaching of Polyvagal Theory in a variety of industries (fitness, wellness, business, etc.), and is currently leading the development of a Polyvagal-informed Certificate for Health, Wellness & Performance Coaches accredited by The National Board for Health & Wellness Coaches.

His unique application of Polyvagal Theory to performance - The Play Zone - provides a paradigm shifting methodology to optimize control of our performance through skillful and conscious control of our physiology, and is endorsed by Polyvagal Institute and Dr. Porges. He was a featured speaker at the Polyvagal Institute’s Annual Summit in October 2022 and will be presenting at the Innovative Education Summit at The Elms in Colwall, Uk on the 11th & 12th of March 2023 & The Master Series at Oxford University, UK on the 1st, 2nd & 3rd of September 2023.

Michael is currently launching the premiere on-the-ground Polyvagal Wellness & Performance Center in Santa Barbara, California to host live and live-streamed retreats, workshops and conferences integrating a variety of Polyvagal-informed industry experts to provide experiential training, lifestyle and certificate programs for coaches, therapists, leaders, educators, organizations and the general public.

Today’s conversation discusses Michael’s work with his clients. We talk about:

• Why a Polyvagal informed approach and how Michael discovered it
• How Michael came to work with high performers and noticed that nervous system dysregulation was affecting their ability to do what they loved
• Tangible examples of trauma and adverse circumstances leading to predictable, though unwelcome, nervous system responses
• How to work with your nervous system, and train yourself to support your output even under duress
• The never-ending nature of being a human participating in the world with a nervous system attuned to potential threat
• The future for Michael and what he’s building to support Polyvagal theory’s renown and offer more healing and performance optimization for all

Enjoy this second in a series (of 3) where The Unveil Podcast welcomes Polyvagal Institute members and pioneers in the realm of utilizing a Polyvagal informed approach to their work supporting the healing of fellow humans.