**Reality Series Star Addresses Marital Challenges in New Season**
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/mikayla-matthews-husband-jacee-031226-1d3349f19651430da5667c8958b68a09.jpg)

Mikayla Matthews, a prominent figure in Hulu’s reality series *The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives*, has candidly spoken about the struggles within her marriage to Jace Terry during the programme’s fifth season. The latest episodes, which started streaming on 10 September, explore the couple’s journey following a brief separation that occurred in 2025.

At the age of 26, Matthews has openly shared that her time apart from her husband, who is 31, allowed her to gain clarity regarding their relationship. In a reflective confessional, she noted that their separation enabled her to articulate her needs more clearly. “When Jace and I were separated, I feel like I got a lot more clarity,” she said, discussing the challenges they faced with intimacy, which have roots in her childhood trauma.
Throughout the series, Matthews has been vocal about the emotional and psychological impact of the sexual abuse she experienced in her youth. This has created significant intimacy issues within their marriage, and the couple has worked through these challenges publicly on the show. Their separation was a pivotal point for both, allowing them to focus on individual healing while being supportive of one another.
Later in the season, during a festive gathering for Liann’s 50th birthday, Matthews hinted at their ongoing commitment to each other by referring to herself as “the only one that has a husband these days.” This subtle remark suggests that despite the struggles, there is hope for their reconciliation.
In an earlier season, Matthews had expressed that navigating the complexities of her trauma was a new experience for both her and Terry. During a conversation with *PEOPLE* magazine in March, she described the effort to unpack her past as a significant journey for the couple. “We’re just navigating it the best way that we can,” she admitted, emphasising the importance of mutual support.
Despite the hurdles they have encountered in their relationship, Matthews and Terry have continued to share moments of togetherness across social media. This year, they have documented various experiences as a family, including trips to Disneyland and Hawaii, portraying a united front amid personal struggles. In honour of Terry’s birthday on 23 June, Matthews affectionately referred to him as “the best dad” and her “favourite person in the world,” further solidifying their bond.
In response to a public dispute involving castmate Taylor Frankie Paul earlier in the year, Terry defended Matthews on social media, highlighting the challenges all cast members face on reality television. He called attention to the tendency of some individuals within their circle to publicly criticise without prior private communication, illustrating the difficulties that come with being in the spotlight.
As the couple continues to navigate their marital issues, they have remained dedicated to the process of healing and growth. Matthews has described their relationship as a “work in progress,” indicating a willingness to confront the complexities of their circumstances.
All episodes of the fifth season of *The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives* are currently available for streaming on Hulu, inviting viewers to witness the evolving dynamics and challenges faced by Matthews and Terry, as well as their journey towards understanding and healing within their marriage.
