Michelle Obama is navigating a new phase in her life, utilizing professional guidance to assist her through this transition.
The former first lady recently disclosed her return to therapy, describing it as a means to manage what she calls a transition into the next stage of her life.
On April 28, during an appearance on Jay Shetty’s “On Purpose” podcast, Obama discussed her choice to seek mental health support. She explained that she is currently undergoing therapy as she experiences a transitional period. She noted that, at age 60, she has emerged from a challenging chapter while maintaining family unity. Now, with her daughters grown and independent, she expressed that, for the first time, her decisions are solely her own.
This period represents a significant shift for Obama. Having prioritized family and national responsibilities during her husband’s presidency, she now has the freedom to focus on her own desires and choices. Her daughters, Malia, 26, and Sasha, 23, are now adults with their own lives outside the family home.
She explained to Shetty that she no longer has the excuse of “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 navigate it. Obama, an advocate for mental health, described therapy as a “tune-up” for this chapter in her life.
Obama’s openness about seeking therapy coincides with a broader societal conversation about mental health. By sharing her experiences, she normalizes the idea that professional support is valuable not only in crises but also during life transitions.
On the podcast, she elaborated on her therapy goals. She mentioned wanting to “unwind some old habits” and “sort through some old guilt.” She is also examining how her relationship with her mother has impacted her perspective and approach to life.
She is pursuing a tune-up for this life phase, recognizing it as a new chapter. With the insight gained over the years, she understands the importance of seeking coaching for fresh viewpoints beyond those familiar to her. She mentioned having a new coach who is getting to know her from a different perspective, listening to her emotions, and seeing her anew.
This is not the first time Obama has spoken about her life transition. In a previous appearance on Sophia Bush’s iHeart Radio podcast “Work in Progress,” she reflected on her independence, stating that she can now do “whatever I want.” She expressed that this is the first time her choices are entirely for herself, acknowledging that she could have made these decisions earlier but did not allow herself that freedom.
Obama’s discussions about personal growth have coincided with speculation about her marriage to former President Barack Obama. Her absence from certain events, such as President Donald Trump’s second inauguration, has fueled rumors about marital issues.
However, in recent interviews, Obama 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 the challenges of marriage but emphasized her commitment to their relationship.
She also commented on societal misinterpretations of women’s choices, noting that when she began making decisions for herself, people speculated about her marriage. She pointed out that a common challenge for women is the fear of disappointing others, so pervasive that people assumed her decisions indicated marital issues.
Obama’s comments on “transitioning” have been misconstrued on social media, with some suggesting she referred to gender transition. Fact-checking organizations have clarified that she was speaking about a life transition related to age, empty nest status, and post-White House life.
In recent months, Obama has maintained a 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 podcast recording.
Throughout her post-White House years, she continues to advocate for education, health, and girls’ empowerment. Her memoir “Becoming,” published in 2018, was among the best-selling books that year, offering an in-depth look at her journey from Chicago’s South Side to the White House.
By discussing therapy and life transitions openly, Obama challenges societal expectations about women’s roles and choices, particularly as they age. Her message resonates with those navigating similar transitions, whether due to children leaving home, career changes, or natural life evolution.
