Reality Star Katie Bates Seeks Therapy After Husband's Infidelity

The 'Bringing Up Bates' alum is working to save her marriage after her husband's affair.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

Reality TV star Katie Bates has revealed that she and her husband Travis Clark recently completed a four-day intensive couples therapy session, following the news that Clark had an affair. Bates said the experience was 'hard, emotional, and stretching' but that she is 'leaving better than she came' and is thankful for the opportunity to work on their marriage.

Why it matters

As members of the conservative Institute of Basic Life Principles (IBLP) church, the same belief system as the Duggar family, Bates and Clark's decision to seek professional help for their marital issues is noteworthy. The IBLP often emphasizes traditional gender roles and discourages divorce, so Bates' commitment to 'preserving' her marriage despite her husband's infidelity reflects the complex dynamics faced by couples in this religious community.

The details

In January 2026, Travis Clark confessed on Instagram that he had been unfaithful to his wife Katie. The couple, who married in 2021 and have two young children, have now completed a four-day intensive couples therapy session to work on rebuilding trust and repairing their relationship. Bates said the experience was challenging but that she is leaving 'better than she came' and is grateful for the opportunity to do the 'hard work' required to potentially save their marriage.

  • In January 2026, Travis Clark confessed to having an affair.
  • On March 2, 2026, Katie Bates shared that she and her husband had just completed a four-day intensive couples therapy session.

The players

Katie Bates

A reality TV star who rose to fame on the show 'Bringing Up Bates' and is now working to save her marriage after her husband's infidelity.

Travis Clark

Katie Bates' husband, who confessed in January 2026 to having an affair, prompting the couple to seek intensive couples therapy.

Institute of Basic Life Principles (IBLP)

The conservative Christian church and belief system subscribed to by the Bates family, which often emphasizes traditional gender roles and discourages divorce.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Just wrapped up a four day therapy intensive. At some point I may share more, but for now I'm just really thankful for the experience and what I'm walking away with. I spent the past few days in both individual and couples therapy. It was hard. Emotional. Stretching in ways I didn't fully expect. But it was also one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. I'm leaving better than I came, and that alone feels like an answered prayer.”

— Katie Bates, Reality TV Star (Instagram)

“This is hard to write, but I owe the truth and I owe an apology. I was unfaithful to my wife. I had an affair and repeatedly broke her trust. There is no excuse for what I did. This was my failure and my responsibility alone.”

— Travis Clark, Katie Bates' Husband (Instagram)

What’s next

The couple is expected to continue their counseling and work to rebuild trust in their marriage, though it remains to be seen if they will ultimately reconcile given the conservative religious beliefs of their community.

The takeaway

Katie Bates and Travis Clark's decision to seek intensive couples therapy in the wake of his infidelity reflects the complex challenges faced by religious couples who are under pressure to preserve their marriages, even in the face of betrayal. Their story highlights the importance of mental health support and professional guidance for those navigating marital crises, regardless of their faith or public profile.