Michelle Obama is entering a new phase of her life and is doing so with assistance.
The former first lady recently disclosed that she has reengaged in therapy as she transitions to what she describes as the next stage of her life.
In an April 28 appearance on Jay Shetty’s “On Purpose” podcast, Michelle Obama discussed her choice to pursue mental health support. She noted that at 60 years old, she has successfully navigated a challenging period while keeping her family united. With her daughters now independent, she finds herself making decisions solely for herself for the first time.
This period marks a significant change for Obama. After years focused on her family’s and the country’s needs during her husband’s presidency, she now has the opportunity to focus on her own decisions and aspirations. This autonomy follows her daughters, Malia, 26, and Sasha, 23, becoming independent.
She conveyed to Shetty that she no longer has reasons such as “My kids need this,” or “my husband needs that,” or “the country needs that.” Instead, she is reflecting on this life stage and seeking support to navigate it. Obama, a mental health advocate, likened therapy to a “tune-up” for her new chapter.
Obama’s openness about seeking therapy coincides with broader discussions about mental health becoming more mainstream. By sharing her experiences, she normalizes the concept that professional support is beneficial not just in crises but during life transitions.
During the podcast, she detailed her therapy goals, expressing a desire to “unwind some old habits” and “sort through some old guilt.” She is also examining how her relationship with her mother has shaped her perspectives.
Obama described seeking a “tune-up” for this phase, recognizing the value of gaining insights beyond her usual circle. She noted having a new coach who understands her from a fresh viewpoint, listens to her feelings, and sees her anew.
This is not the first instance Obama has spoken about her current life transition. In a previous appearance on Sophia Bush’s iHeart Radio podcast “Work in Progress,” she reflected on her newfound independence, saying she can now do “whatever I want.” She noted it is the first time all her choices are self-directed.
Obama’s discussions about personal growth have occurred alongside speculation about her marriage to former President Barack Obama. Her absence from certain events, including former President Donald Trump’s second inauguration, has fueled rumors about marital issues.
Obama addressed these rumors in recent interviews. On Steven Bartlett’s “Diary of a CEO” podcast, she remarked, “everybody would know about it” if she had marital problems. She acknowledged marriage’s challenges but emphasized her commitment.
Obama also discussed how society often misinterprets women’s personal decisions. She noted that once she began making choices for herself, people speculated about her marriage, struggling to believe her decisions were personal, not indicative of marital issues.
Her comments on “transitioning” have been misinterpreted on social media, with some incorrectly suggesting she meant gender transition. Fact-checkers have clarified she was referring to age-related and post-White House life changes.
Recently, 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, Obama remains an advocate for education, health, and girls’ empowerment. Her memoir “Becoming,” published in 2018, became a best-seller, offering a personal 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 decisions, particularly as they age. Her message resonates with many facing similar life changes.