Mikayla Matthews and Husband Jace Terry Reveal Separation in Season 4 of ‘Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’
Understanding the Separation of Mikayla Matthews and Jace Terry
In the latest season of the popular reality series *Secret Lives of Mormon Wives*, fans were met with a heartfelt and emotional revelation from Mikayla Matthews and her husband, Jace Terry. The couple disclosed their decision to separate, a development that was openly discussed in Episode 9 of Season 4, which premiered on Hulu on March 12. This candid disclosure sheds light on the complexities of their relationship, particularly focusing on intimacy struggles and personal healing.
Mikayla Matthews, who has been a central figure on the show since its inception, shared that the couple’s difficulties with their sex life persisted even after she revealed in Season 3 that she had been sexually abused during her childhood. Adding to the emotional strain, Matthews was also grappling with an undiagnosed chronic illness while navigating postpartum challenges following the birth of their third child in July 2025. These overlapping challenges contributed to the couple’s decision to take a step back and separate temporarily.
The Emotional and Physical Challenges Behind the Separation
The separation was not a sudden decision but rather a mutual agreement reached after much reflection and conversation. In a confessional segment, Matthews explained, “We both agreed to do a separation.” The episode features intimate moments where the couple discusses their feelings in their bedroom, revealing the emotional toll their struggles have taken on both of them.
Jace Terry expressed the difficulty of maintaining focus on his own well-being while being present with Mikayla, saying, “At home you feel like you can’t focus on your skin and your health because I’m also here.” Matthews responded by describing the overwhelming nature of their situation, “I think it’s hard any time you bring up the stuff, the sex, the intimacy, I feel like it’s hard on me because I feel like my nervous system is going into fight or flight, I’m already maxxed out. Like my bucket is full.”
The couple’s dialogue highlights the complexity of trauma and intimacy issues, with Terry suggesting that Matthews commit to trauma therapy. However, Matthews noted that previous therapy had not fully alleviated her struggles, underscoring how healing is often a long and non-linear process.
Balancing Family Life Amidst Separation
Despite the separation, Matthews emphasized that their family life remains intertwined. “I don’t think it’s like with the intention of being separated forever. I think we’re obviously still going to see each other every single day. I’m not trying to go even a day away from the kids anyways,” she shared. The couple, married since 2018, are parents to three children, and their commitment to co-parenting remains strong.
Matthews also expressed uncertainty about the timeline for their separation, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of healing. “I think it’s definitely hard to put a timeline on the situation because it could take weeks, it could take months to be healed,” she said. She also revealed her fears about the future of their marriage, stating, “There’s part of me that is definitely scared to lose him because I feel like our marriage is so good outside of the sexual intimacy part of it, which is ironic because that’s his No. 1 need and that’s my No. 1 wound.”
Terry echoed the sentiment that working through their issues would be beneficial for their children, reinforcing the couple’s desire to find a path forward together.
Support and Reflection Within the Cast
The episode also showcased the support system within the cast. Fellow cast member Mayci Neeley was seen comforting Matthews as she left her home, sharing a hug and a kiss goodbye. This moment underscored the emotional weight of the separation and the importance of friendship during difficult times.
In conversations with other cast members, Matthews and Terry opened up about their feelings and challenges. Matthews spoke candidly with Whitney Leavitt about her frustration and emotional exhaustion, saying, “I feel like I’m working on so many different things outside of just sex, and I know that obviously he can’t just be like, ‘OK, well we can just go without that.’” Meanwhile, Terry sought advice from Leavitt’s husband, Conner, who has also experienced sexual abuse, leading to a vulnerable moment where Terry broke down in tears, expressing his longing to reconnect emotionally with his wife.
Conclusion
Mikayla Matthews and Jace Terry’s revelation of their separation in Season 4 of *Secret Lives of Mormon Wives* offers a raw and honest look at the challenges couples face when dealing with trauma, intimacy issues, and chronic illness. Their journey highlights the importance of communication, therapy, and support systems in navigating difficult times. While their path to healing may be uncertain, their commitment to their family and each other remains evident.
If you’re interested in following Mikayla and Jace’s story or want to learn more about the realities of relationships and healing, be sure to watch the latest season of *Secret Lives of Mormon Wives* on Hulu. Stay tuned for more updates and insights into their journey.
