What led to Mikayla Matthews’ separation from Jace Terry?
Mikayla Matthews and Jace Terry’s separation raises important questions about the impact of personal trauma on relationships. The couple, who married on March 1, 2018, decided to part ways during Season 4 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives to allow Mikayla to focus on her healing journey. This decision was not made lightly, as they share four children, the youngest of whom was born on July 17, 2025.
Understanding the challenges faced by Mikayla Matthews
Mikayla has been candid about her experiences with childhood sexual abuse, which occurred between the ages of six and fifteen. This traumatic past has significantly influenced her intimacy issues within her marriage. She has stated that her health problems prevent her from fully engaging in the relationship, describing her nervous system as being in a constant state of “fight or flight,” which affects her emotional intimacy.
Despite attending couples therapy in Season 3, Mikayla and Jace struggled to make progress in addressing their intimacy issues. Mikayla emphasized that she set the expectation for Jace that she could not give their relationship her all until she worked through her health challenges. “I kind of set that expectation for him of, like, I’m not able to work through this and give it 100% until I can work through my health stuff,” she explained.
The impact of separation on their family
The couple’s separation, which was agreed upon to prioritize Mikayla’s healing, has not severed their daily contact. They continue to communicate regularly for the sake of their children, maintaining a co-parenting relationship. Mikayla has made it clear that this separation is not intended to be permanent, although there is no set timeline for reconciliation. “I think it’s just something that’s going to take a lot more time,” she noted.
Ongoing struggles and the path forward
Despite years of counseling, Mikayla continues to grapple with the effects of her past trauma and her nervous system’s response. She described her journey as a “work in progress,” indicating that healing is an ongoing process. “I feel like that’s all I can say on it now,” she stated, reflecting the complexity of her situation.
As Mikayla Matthews navigates this challenging chapter in her life, her story sheds light on the profound effects of childhood trauma on adult relationships. The journey of healing is often fraught with difficulties, and Mikayla’s openness about her struggles serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health and support in overcoming personal challenges.
