Who can you open up to about poker?
Poker is more than just a game. It’s a passion, a pursuit, and often a way of life. Yet, when you try to talk about it with others, it’s easy to feel misunderstood. You pour your heart into it, but when you share your experiences, you might encounter people who make light of it, or worse, judge it as a harmful obsession. It can feel like speaking a foreign language.
This can be discouraging, and it’s understandable to hesitate in being open about something so personal. However, there’s value in sharing your journey, and doing so may even strengthen important relationships and create unexpected opportunities.
A vital question for 2025 could be: Is there someone in my life with whom I could open up more about poker?
What about professionals? Who can you talk to?
Let’s explore three potential options: talk therapists, sports psychologists/performance coaches, and poker mental game coaches.
Therapists and Personal Counselors
Over the years, I’ve had my fair share of experiences with therapists, psychotherapists, and personal counselors. While some have been incredibly supportive, others have struggled to understand my passion for poker. I remember when I first started, I told my therapist that I had lost $300 at the casino the night before. Her concerned response was, “Oh, wow, that’s a lot of money.” Where do you go from there?
Finding the right therapist is essential. When I eventually connected with a counseling supervisor who understood my journey and respected poker as part of my life, it was liberating. This relationship was collaborative—she invited me to evaluate how poker fit within my larger values, hopes, and relationships.
When looking for a counselor, it’s crucial to find someone who is open, curious, and willing to listen deeply, even when the subject is as unconventional as poker. A genuine therapist will engage with your passions without judgment, and their support can be profoundly valuable.
Performance Coaches & Sports Psychologists
In 2024, I was fortunate to have a conversation with Simon Hartley, a performance coach who works with Olympians, NFL teams, and other elite performers. He doesn’t just specialize in sports psychology—his approach is centered around human psychology, and I was eager to see how his expertise could apply to poker.
The insights I gained from our conversation were priceless. Simon took my work as a poker player seriously, recognizing the parallels between poker and other high-performance disciplines. Whether you’re playing under pressure or aiming to maintain consistent performance, the psychological aspects of poker are no different from those in sports.
A package of 5-6 coaching sessions with someone like Simon could lay a strong foundation for nurturing your mental game.
Poker Mindset Coaches
One of the most beneficial aspects of working with poker mindset coaches is that they speak your language. I had the pleasure of talking with Tommy Angelo, author of Elements of Poker, and it felt like reconnecting with an old friend who truly understood the challenges and mental nuances of the game.
That said, the poker coaching space is vast and varied, and not all coaches will resonate with you. It’s important to choose someone whose approach aligns with your goals. Coaches vary greatly in their levels of self-awareness and the methods they employ. Some are great listeners and provide effective guidance, while others may be caught up in their own framework.
Finding a good coach, whether for poker or mental game coaching, is a bit of a gamble. But one thing is clear: investing in yourself is never a mistake. Don’t try to go it alone in 2025—reach out to others, take a risk, and get the support you deserve.
Final Thoughts
The mental side of poker is just as important as the strategic side. Whether through therapy, performance coaching, or specialized poker mindset coaching, nurturing your mental game in 2025 will not only enhance your performance but also help you navigate the highs and lows of this challenging game.
Remember, you don’t have to do it all alone.
