Michelle Obama has embarked on a new phase in her life with the help of professional support.
The former first lady recently disclosed that she has returned to therapy as she navigates what she terms a “transition” to the next stage of her life.
Appearing on Jay Shetty’s “On Purpose” podcast on April 28, Michelle discussed her choice to seek mental health assistance. At 61 years old, she has overcome a difficult chapter while maintaining her family unity. Now with her daughters grown and independent, she noted that her decisions are entirely her own for the first time.
This period represents a major shift for Michelle. After years dedicated to her family and the nation during her husband’s presidency, she now has the liberty to focus on her own choices. Her daughters, Malia, 26, and Sasha, 23, have both reached adulthood and are living independently.
She informed Shetty that she no longer has the excuse of saying, “My kids need this,” or “my husband needs that,” or “the country needs that.” Instead, she is reflecting on this new phase and seeking support to manage it. The former first lady, who has been a long-time advocate for mental health, described therapy as a “tune-up” for this new chapter.
Mrs. Obama’s openness about therapy coincides with a broader acceptance of mental health discussions. By sharing her experiences, she continues to normalize seeking professional help not only in crisis situations but also during life transitions.
On the podcast, she explained her goals for therapy, saying she aims to “unwind some old habits” and “sort through some old guilt” she carries. She is also examining how her relationship with her mother has shaped her thoughts and life approach.
She mentioned that she’s seeking a tune-up for this upcoming phase, as she feels it signifies a new chapter. With the insight she has gained, she sees the importance of seeking new perspectives. She has engaged a new coach to understand her from a fresh viewpoint, listen to her emotions, and see her in a new light.
This isn’t the first time Michelle has addressed her current transition. In a previous 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 expressed that it’s the first time in her life all her choices are for herself, adding that she could have made many of these decisions earlier but didn’t allow herself that freedom.
Obama’s candid remarks on personal growth have coincided with speculation about her marriage to former President Barack Obama. Her absence from certain high-profile events, including President Donald Trump’s second inauguration, has fueled ongoing rumors about potential marital issues.
However, Michelle has addressed these rumors in recent interviews. On Steven Bartlett’s “Diary of a CEO” podcast, she stated, “If she were having problems with her husband, ‘everybody would know about it.'” She acknowledged that marriage can be challenging but emphasized her commitment to their relationship.
She also provided insight into how society often misinterprets women’s personal decisions. She noted that when she began making choices for herself, people quickly assumed it related to her marriage. She emphasized that one challenge many women face is the fear of disappointing others, leading to the assumption that her actions indicate marital issues.
The former first lady’s comments about “transitioning” have also been misinterpreted on social media, with some falsely suggesting she was referring to gender transition. Fact-checking organizations have clarified that she was clearly discussing a life transition connected to her age, empty nest status, and post-White House life.
In recent months, Michelle has continued her public presence through her podcast “IMO with Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson,” co-hosted with her brother. She appeared at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference in Austin, Texas, in March 2025 for a live recording of the podcast.
Throughout her post-White House years, she has continued to advocate for issues important to her, including education, health, and girls’ empowerment. Her memoir “Becoming,” published in 2018, was among the best-selling books of that year and provided a personal account of her journey from Chicago’s South Side to the White House.
On May 11, 2025, Barack Obama shared a heartfelt Mother’s Day tribute to Michelle Obama, expressing his love and appreciation. This public gesture came shortly after Michelle addressed and dismissed divorce rumors, reinforcing their strong relationship.
By speaking openly about therapy and life transitions, Obama continues to challenge societal expectations about women’s roles and choices, especially as they age. Her message resonates with many who find themselves navigating similar life transitions, whether due to children leaving home, career shifts, or the natural evolution that comes with entering a new decade of life.
