APPLETON, Wis. — Katie Bates, the 25-year-old star of the reality TV series Bringing Up Bates, has announced she is beginning therapy to cope with the aftermath of her husband Travis Clark's admitted infidelity. In a candid Instagram Story shared on Sunday, February 22, Bates opened up about the emotional toll of the scandal, describing the year as unexpectedly heavy and expressing gratitude for the support she's received from fans.
Bates, who married Clark in 2021, detailed her struggles in the post, writing, “This year didn’t start how I thought it would. It’s been really heavy and emotional in ways I wasn’t prepared for. Some days I feel okay and steady, and other days it’s hard to even leave the house.” She emphasized her approach to the situation, adding, “I’m trying to take it one day at a time,” while thanking supporters for their “love, prayers, and messages” that have been invaluable during this difficult period.
The couple's challenges came to light earlier this year when Clark, 24, publicly confessed to cheating on Bates via Instagram in January. In his statement, Clark took full responsibility, stating, “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.” He further elaborated, “This was my failure and my responsibility alone. I know that words don’t begin to express the damage I caused or the depth of the hurt I’ve brought into her life, but I am truly sorry.”
Clark's admission included a plea for understanding, noting, “I’m sorry for the pain, humiliation and betrayal I caused my wife through my choices. I understand that an apology doesn’t repair what I broke and forgiveness is not something I deserve or can ask for.” He committed to personal growth, writing, “I am taking responsibility by getting help and doing the work to change and become a more honest and accountable man, regardless of [the] outcome. I ask for privacy and grace for Katie as she processes this in her own time.”
Bates' decision to enter therapy marks a significant step in her healing process. She shared, “I’m getting ready to attend my first four day therapy intensive. I don’t really feel equipped to handle something like this on my own, so getting help feels important. I know I can’t pour into anything else well if I’m not actually working through this in a healthy way.” Bates, who has two young children with Clark—daughter Hailey born in 2023 and son Harvey in 2024—highlighted the grounding role her family plays, saying, “Being mom to Hailey and Harvey and finding little pieces of normal life again has been so grounding for me.”
The reality star also touched on her faith as a source of comfort, admitting, “I’m not very good at expressing my emotions, so this probably feels scattered, but I’m trying to lean on God and He has brought me so much comfort.” Bates concluded her message with uncertainty about future disclosures, stating, “I don’t know how much I’ll share as I walk through all of this or what that will look like, but I did want to say thank you for the kindness and grace you’ve shown me. It truly means a lot.”
Before Clark's confession, Bates had already faced personal hardships, including a pregnancy loss that she revealed on social media. This loss added layers to the couple's recent difficulties, as Bates navigated grief alongside the betrayal. In a post last month, she addressed the situation more broadly, writing, “We are working through this privately, seeking counsel both together and individually as we try to determine the best path forward for our family. I am also being supported by legal counsel.”
Bates stressed the gravity of their decisions, noting, “This is not a quick or easy process, and it is not one I am taking lightly. Every decision about our future will be made slowly and carefully, with what is best for our family and our children as the highest priority.” She hinted at the depth of the hurt, saying her “trust has been broken,” but expressed hope rooted in her beliefs: “Right now, I am taking life one day at a time and focusing on what matters most: our children, their future, and my own healing. At the same time, I do believe in God’s power to restore, and my heart’s desire to preserve our marriage.”
The Bates family rose to prominence through the TLC reality show Bringing Up Bates, which chronicled the lives of Katie and her large family from 2015 to 2019. The series offered viewers a glimpse into their conservative Christian values and close-knit dynamics in Tennessee. Katie, the ninth of 19 children, has maintained a public presence post-show, sharing family updates and personal milestones with her followers.
Clark and Bates' relationship, which began before their 2021 wedding, appeared idyllic to fans, with frequent posts about their growing family. The birth of Hailey in 2023 and Harvey in 2024 were celebrated widely, but the recent revelations have shifted the narrative. According to reports from Us Weekly, the couple's efforts to reconcile privately underscore the complexities of public scrutiny in the wake of personal scandals.
While Bates has acknowledged the difficulty of moving past the infidelity, she has not detailed the specifics of Clark's affair. Clark's statement similarly avoided elaborating on the circumstances, focusing instead on accountability. This discretion aligns with their request for privacy, though the couple's status on social media continues to draw attention from fans and media alike.
The scandal echoes other high-profile celebrity infidelities, such as those involving figures like Bill Clinton and Dave Grohl, as noted in related coverage. However, Bates and Clark's situation is complicated by their young family and shared faith, which Bates has cited as central to her path forward. Couples like Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo, who reportedly stayed together after similar issues, provide examples of potential reconciliation, though outcomes vary widely.
As Bates embarks on her therapy intensive, questions linger about the future of their marriage. Legal counsel's involvement suggests considerations beyond emotional healing, potentially including separation or divorce proceedings. Yet, Bates' expressed desire to preserve the union leaves room for optimism among supporters who have rallied around her.
The outpouring of support Bates mentioned has been evident in comments and messages from fans, many of whom have shared their own stories of overcoming betrayal. This community backing may play a crucial role as she prioritizes her children's well-being and personal recovery. For now, the couple remains committed to handling matters out of the public eye, with Bates focusing on daily stability amid uncertainty.
In the broader context of reality TV stars navigating personal crises, Bates' transparency about seeking therapy highlights a growing openness to mental health resources. Her story serves as a reminder of the pressures faced by those in the spotlight, where private pains become public spectacles. As developments unfold, observers will watch closely, respecting the privacy the couple has requested while awaiting any further updates from the family.