Play the Hand You’re Dealt Masterfully
Lafaya Way Poker – Empowering disadvantaged communities with the skills to master the #MentalGameOfLife
or
The Book – Poker: A Woman’s Game
The Poker Therapist’s Mental Game Strategies for Winning
As in poker, so in life.
Both hilarious and smart, praised as ‘edutainment’ at it’s finest. Learn how to play the hand you’re dealt in life and in poker.
“To all of us female poker players out there trying to manage a household, take care of children, heal from a traumatic history, and/or the many other obstacles life presents to us AND pursue our dreams of playing professional poker, I’m standing here shouting, “WE GOT THIS!” If I can do it, you can do it. So let’s take the poker world by storm TOGETHER.”
-Author Lafaya Mitchell
LIMITED EDITION! Get Your Autographed Copy of “Poker: A Woman’s Game”
US$75.00
You will receive an autographed copy of “Poker: A Woman’s Game” domestic shipping included; International shipping, additional fees may apply. Only 99 autographed copies availabe! Allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.
The Lafaya Way Podcast
Whether you’re navigating personal challenges or professional obstacles, the Lafaya Way 4 Steps grant you the power to play to win.
If you like what you hear, subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and/or Youtube
I met both loves of my life through poker ..
Lafaya (Fay) and James met playing poker at a little hole-in-the-wall cardroom over a decade ago. Find out why their story made finalist in the World Poker Tour’s “Why I Love Poker” competition!
Our wedding in real life ..
The story of Fay and James truly is a Poker Fairy-Tale. We met during difficult transitions in both our lives and found a diamond (great love) in the ashes.
Understanding each other to be soul mates, we married on 7/10 because Ten Seven is James’ (Mr. TenSeven) favorite hand.
We couldn’t make 10/7 work for our wedding venue, so we reversed the date to 7/10 (just like poker player, played the hand we were dealt!)
Therapist by day, poker player by night
I am an LMFT/Author/Trainer/Speaker. I wear my therapist hat by day and my crazy poker socks at night.
I love poker because it’s the best game on the planet. It’s the most inclusive sport you can find. No matter your age, sex, culture, physical abilities, personality type etc. you can excel at this game. Find out more
Our Mission
At The Lafaya Way, we’re redefining what it means to play the game – on and off the table.
Our mission is to make poker a powerful platform for personal growth, confidence, and resilience.
We empower women and underrepresented voices to step boldly into spaces where they’ve been underestimated, teaching not just how to play better hands, but how to play life with strategy, courage, and emotional mastery.
Because poker isn’t just a card game, it’s a mirror. It reflects how we think, decide, trust ourselves, and rise after setbacks.
Through education, storytelling, and community, we’re creating a new culture of play – one where everyone, regardless of background or experience, can learn to read the table, trust their instincts, and win on their own terms.
Services
Mental Game Coaching Sessions with Lafaya Mitchell
- Whether it’s tilt, self-doubt, or the pressure to perform, this mindset coaching will help you gain clarity, calm, and control. Guided by a therapist who speaks poker fluently, you’ll work on the real game – your mind.
Mental Game of Life Empowerment Workshop
- Lafaya borrows from her 25+ years of experience as a mental health practitioner to help reduce high emotional reactivity, performance anxiety, and relationship struggles.
- Through her multi-module curriculum Lafaya shares her “secret sauce” to success = 4-Step emotional regulation approach to taming T.I.L.T (Temporary Interruption in Logical Thinking) in poker and in everyday life.
Lafaya and James on the “7 Days to Vegas” Red Carpet
Lafaya and James (Mrs. and Mr. Ten Seven) enjoying the “7 Days to Vegas” V.I.P. Red Carpet experience package won through an on-line poker tournament for ClubWPT VIP members.
Final Table at the 2018 WPT LA Poker Classic
Lafaya and James look on live as they dream of their own impending televised shared final table experience. Watch out for us!
With Phil Helmuth
Got to hang out with one of my absolute FAVORITE poker players of all time, Phil Helmuth.
Conversation starter, “Hey Phil I’m a Brat too!”
With Vince Van Patten
Lafaya getting serious about competing in tournament poker and gathering quick tidbits from Vince Van Patten during his visit with us students at the Learn WPT live, “Learn How to Play Like a Pro” class held at Commerce Casino in February 2018.
Lafaya Way Poker Merch
T-Shirts
Hoodies
Mugs 'n More
Get in Touch
If you have any suggestions or questions, if you know someone we should invite as a guest, a topic you’d love us to discuss ..
We’d love to hear from you!
Sponsors
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