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 Course Partner with the Polyvagal Institute, where he is recognized as a leading expert in 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 Masters Series, The Polyvagal Institute International Gathering, The Global Exchange Conference, and Psychological Safety Day. His work bridges neuroscience and performance to help individuals and teams thrive under pressure.