What does it mean to start over when the world knows your name? At 61, Michelle Obama, the former First Lady, is finding out.
She’s been open about her latest step: therapy. This isn’t about fixing a crisis.
It’s about growing into a new version of herself. Her story is sparking conversations about mental health, change, and the courage to focus on you.
A New Phase of Life
Michelle Obama recently shared on the On Purpose podcast with Jay Shetty that she’s in therapy to help her navigate a big life change.
At 61, she’s no longer the First Lady, her daughters Malia, 26, and Sasha, 23, have moved out, and she’s done with public service for now.
She calls herself an “empty nester,” meaning her kids are grown and living their own lives. For the first time, she’s making choices just for herself.
“I’m 60 years old, I finished a really hard thing in life with my family intact,” she said.
Therapy, for her, is like a “tune-up” to sort through old habits and feelings, like guilt, that she’s carried for years. She’s also thinking about how her relationship with her late mother shaped her.
This isn’t her first time in therapy—she’s been an advocate for it for years, even talking about couples therapy with her husband, former President Barack Obama.
Squashing Rumors, Embracing Truth
Michelle’s openness comes at a time when rumors about her marriage to Barack Obama have been swirling.
Some speculated about a divorce because she didn’t attend events like Donald Trump’s second inauguration or Jimmy Carter’s funeral with him.
On The Diary of a CEO podcast, she laughed off the gossip, saying, “If I were having problems with my husband, everybody would know about it.”
She explained that skipping those events was her choice, a way to prioritize herself.
“People couldn’t fathom I was making a choice for myself,” she said on Sophia Bush’s Work in Progress podcast.
Michelle and Barack, married since 1992, have always been honest about marriage being hard work. They’ve used therapy to navigate challenges, but she insists they’re committed.
“He’s my person,” she said, showing their bond is strong.
Why Therapy Matters
Michelle’s story isn’t just about her—it’s a reminder that everyone can benefit from mental health support.
She encourages people to find their own way to heal, whether it’s therapy, talking to friends, or volunteering.
“Everybody needs to find their form of it, the best way they can,” she said.
Her honesty is powerful because it shows that even someone as admired as Michelle Obama seeks help to grow. She’s not waiting for a breakdown; she’s choosing to evolve.
By sharing her journey, she’s making it okay for others to do the same, whether they’re 30, 60, or anywhere in between.
Michelle Obama’s therapy journey is about more than just her. It’s about showing that change is normal, seeking help is strength, and focusing on yourself is okay.
