**Couple’s Separation Highlights Struggles of Intimacy and Healing in Latest Season of Reality Show**
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Mikayla Matthews and Jace Terry, known for their candid appearances on *The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives*, have unveiled the challenges in their relationship during the latest season of the show. The couple, who married on 1 March 2018, just six months after the birth of their first child, are now navigating a separation in an attempt to address personal issues impacting their marriage.
Throughout previous seasons, viewers witnessed the couple tackle various obstacles, including intimacy difficulties rooted in Mikayla’s history of childhood sexual abuse. In the fourth season, the couple made the difficult decision to separate, aiming to allow Mikayla the necessary space to focus on her healing journey.
Mikayla has openly discussed the lack of significant progress in relation to their intimacy issues, compounded by her recent struggles with postpartum recovery and flare-ups of a chronic illness. “It’s incredibly discouraging that my health has limited my ability to seize opportunities,” she reflected in a confessional. “It holds me back in various aspects of my life, including my marriage with Jace.”
The emotional burden of her health and past traumas was further explored when Mikayla shared her experiences with Whitney Leavitt during a trip to Los Angeles for stem cell treatment. Whitney’s presence provided a supportive backdrop, as both women share common ground as partners of sexual abuse survivors.
In a vulnerable moment, Mikayla expressed her feelings about therapy and the couple’s relationship: “While Jace is doing well, the therapy side remains challenging. I feel the need to prioritise my health above all else at the moment.” This sentiment reflects her struggle to simultaneously face her marital issues while managing her health concerns.
Jace, for his part, has sought solace in online communities, where he has expressed his frustration about the stagnation in their relationship. “I’m not okay with where we are; it feels unfulfilling,” he shared. He highlighted the need for Mikayla to address their intimacy issues to foster connection, explaining that he does not want to compromise the integrity of their relationship.
As the couple navigated their difficulties, Jace acknowledged a potential breaking point where separation seemed inevitable. “If Mikayla doesn’t take these issues seriously, then we might have to face the reality of our situation,” he noted, demonstrating a blend of patience and concern.
Mikayla’s journey of healing has led her to discuss her feelings with close friends, revealing significant frustration after a couples’ therapy session that left her feeling more resentful than hopeful. “I feel like I am tackling so many issues beyond intimacy, and yet I know there are limits to Jace’s patience,” she admitted.
The couple’s shared intimacy struggles stemmed from underlying trauma, with Mikayla candidly revealing that complications around kisses and affection due to triggers hinder her ability to connect with Jace. “I definitely want to be close to him, yet I’m aware of the emotional barriers I need to overcome,” she explained in her confessional.
As the couple approached the separation, Mikayla stated her intention to focus on her personal growth outside the confines of motherhood and marriage. Her retreat from the relationship has not been without emotional turmoil. She conveyed fears of losing Jace, particularly wanting their children to witness a healthy emotional connection between their parents.
“I want my children to see their parents capable of love and intimacy,” Jace replied, indicating his shared desire for their family dynamic to improve without the pressure of a strained relationship.
The couple’s separation may not be permanent as they continue to focus on their personal struggles while remaining involved in each other’s lives and that of their children. Mikayla, whilst feeling sadness over the situation, acknowledged the supportive network within her community could assist her in navigating this difficult time.
As *The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives* season four is now streaming on platforms like Hulu, viewers are given a raw insight into the complexities of relationships tempered by trauma and the quest for healing. For those encountering similar issues, resources are available, including connecting with crisis counselling services for victims of sexual abuse, reinforcing the message of support and recovery.