Michelle Obama on Returning to Therapy to Navigate Life as an Empty Nester: “Let Me Go Get Some Coaching”

Michelle Obama, former First Lady and bestselling author, is once again opening up about her mental health journey. Known for her honesty and advocacy, Michelle recently spoke about returning to therapy as she navigates a new chapter in her life. Her comments come amid ongoing rumours about her marriage to Barack Obama and speculation about their personal lives. Despite the headlines, Michelle has chosen to focus on her own growth, especially now that her daughters, Malia and Sasha, are grown and living independently. She has always been a strong voice for mental health, encouraging others to seek help when needed.

“Let Me Go Get Some Coaching”: Michelle Obama on Therapy

On Jay Shetty’s ‘On Purpose’ podcast, Michelle shared why she decided to return to therapy. “At this phase of my life, I’m in therapy right now because I’m transitioning, you know? I’m 60 years old, I finished a really hard thing in life with my family intact. I’m an empty nester. You know my girls are in-they’ve been launched. And now for the first time, as I’ve said before, every choice I’m making is completely mine,” she explained.

Michelle compared therapy to a “tune-up,” saying, “Let me unwind some old habits. Let me sort through some old guilt that I’ve been carrying around. Let me talk about how my relationship with my mother has affected how I think about things.” She continued, “So, I’m getting that tune-up for this next phase because I believe this is a whole other phase in life for me. And I now have the wisdom to know, let me go get some coaching while I’m doing it, so that I have other voices other than the people who know me best. I’ve got a new person that’s getting to know me, and seeing me completely new and hearing all these emotions.”

ALSO READ: Rihanna Reveals 3rd Pregnancy at Met Gala 2025: Is Third Pregnancy Easier Or More Complicated?

The Reality of Empty Nest Syndrome

The transition to an ‘empty nester’ can be challenging. Nanda Botadkar, Business Coach, Nurturing Business, Mumbai, explains, “Many women dedicate their entire lives to their children, believing that caring for them is their sole purpose in life. But when the kids leave, it creates a deep void, bringing loneliness, identity loss, and even health issues.” She adds that this change can also overwhelm young adults, who may feel responsible for their parents’ happiness, sometimes leading to impatience and resentment.

Empty nest syndrome is a real emotional struggle for many parents. Feelings of sadness, anxiety, and loss of purpose are common. Experts recommend seeking support, staying socially active, and focusing on self-care to help manage this transition.

Why Returning to Therapy Helps

Research shows that returning to therapy during major life changes, like becoming an empty nester, can boost emotional well-being and help people develop new coping skills. A study published in Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy found that about one in seven people return to therapy for more support within one to five years after their first treatment. The study showed that returning to therapy is common and can be helpful, especially if someone experiences a relapse or new challenges. It also suggests that seeking therapy again is a healthy way to manage ongoing mental health needs and should not be discouraged. 

ALSO READ: What Is Mark Zuckerberg’s ‘Rawdog’ Morning Routine? Facebook Founder Shares His Secret

Conclusion

Michelle Obama’s openness about therapy reminds us that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. As she embraces her next phase, her story encourages others to prioritise mental health, especially during life’s big transitions. Whether you’re facing empty nest syndrome or another change, therapy and self-care can help you move forward with confidence.