Michelle Obama is entering a new phase of her life, and she is utilizing therapy to assist her during this transition.
The former first lady recently shared that she has returned to therapy as she navigates a transition to the next phase of her life.
During an appearance on Jay Shetty’s “On Purpose” podcast on April 28, 2025, Michelle Obama spoke about her decision to seek mental health support. She explained that at 60 years old, she is in therapy to manage a transitional period in her life. She noted that she has successfully moved past a challenging chapter while maintaining her family unit. Now an empty nester, with her daughters grown and independent, she remarked that her decisions are now entirely her own.
This stage signifies a significant shift for Obama. Having prioritized her family and the country during her husband’s presidency, she now has the freedom to focus on her choices. Her daughters, Malia, 26, and Sasha, 23, have reached adulthood and established independent lives.
Speaking to Shetty, Obama mentioned that she no longer can say, “My kids need this,” or “my husband needs that,” or “the country needs that.” She’s reflecting on this next phase and seeking support to navigate it. The former first lady, a long-time advocate for mental health, referred to therapy as a “tune-up” for her life.
Obama’s openness about seeking therapy comes at a time when mental health discussions are increasingly mainstream. By sharing her experiences, she continues to normalize seeking professional support not only in crises but also during life transitions.
On the podcast, she elaborated on her objectives for therapy, stating she wants to “unwind some old habits” and “sort through some old guilt” she’s been carrying. She has also examined how her relationship with her mother has influenced her life and thinking.
Obama indicated she is seeking a “tune-up” for this new life phase, recognizing its significance. With newfound wisdom, she understands the importance of gaining perspectives beyond those of her closest acquaintances. She mentioned having a new coach who views her from a fresh perspective, listening and observing her anew.
This is not the first time Obama has addressed her life transition. In a prior appearance on Sophia Bush’s iHeart Radio podcast “Work in Progress,” she reflected on her newfound independence, noting she can now do “whatever I want.” She remarked that it’s the first time her choices are solely for herself, acknowledging she could have done this earlier but didn’t allow herself the freedom.
Obama’s candid discussions about personal growth coincided with speculation about her marriage to former President Obama. Her absence from events like former President Donald Trump’s second inauguration has fueled rumors about marital issues.
However, Obama has directly addressed these rumors. On Steven Bartlett’s “Diary of a CEO” podcast, she stated that if she were having problems with her husband, “everybody would know about it.” She acknowledged marriage can be challenging but emphasized her commitment to their partnership.
She also addressed how society often misinterprets women’s personal choices. She noted that when she started making decisions for herself, people assumed it indicated issues in her marriage. She highlighted that many women fear disappointing others, leading to assumptions that her choices were due to marital problems.
Obama’s remarks about “transitioning” have been misinterpreted on social media, with some falsely suggesting she referred to gender transition. Fact-checking organizations have clarified she was discussing a life transition related to age, empty nest status, and post-White House life.
In recent months, Obama has maintained public engagement through her podcast, “IMO with Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson,” co-hosted by her brother. She appeared at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference in Austin, Texas, in March 2025 for a live podcast recording.
Throughout her post-White House years, she continues to advocate for education, health, and girls’ empowerment. Her memoir “Becoming,” published in 2018, became a best-seller, offering insight into her journey from Chicago’s South Side to the White House.
By discussing therapy and life transitions, Obama challenges societal expectations about women’s roles and choices, especially as they age. Her message resonates with many navigating similar life transitions, whether due to children leaving home, career changes, or natural life evolution.
