Michael was a Parent Time Facilitator and Supervisor Intern for the ACAFS Family Academy during Winter 2025.
Briefly explain what you did and the result of your internship.
During my internship at ACAFS, I supervised court-ordered family visitations between parents and children in cases involving custody disputes, abuse, or family reunification. I took detailed observational notes on parent-child interactions, ensured the safety of all participants, and supported caseworkers by maintaining professional documentation. I gained experience working with families in crisis and learned how to apply trauma-informed care, neutrality, and emotional regulation in high-stress environments.
What did you learn on your internship that you were not expecting to learn?
One thing I didn’t expect to learn during my internship was how much emotional regulation and self-awareness are required when working with families in high-conflict or traumatic situations. I knew I’d be observing visits, but I didn’t anticipate how often I’d need to manage my own emotional responses to stay neutral and supportive. I also gained a deeper understanding of how family systems function under stress and how small, consistent interventions, like providing a calm presence, can make a big difference.
How have your future plans changed because of what you learned from your internship experience?
Because of my internship experience, my future plans have become more focused and purposeful. I was already interested in becoming a Marriage and Family Therapist, but this internship confirmed that path for me. It gave me a clearer picture of the real challenges families face and the kind of emotional strength and skill it takes to support them. I also realized how drawn I am to working with families in crisis or transition, which has led me to explore specialized training in trauma-informed care and family reunification. This experience didn’t just affirm my goals, it sharpened them.
Please share how your experience led to personal inspiration or insightful revelation.
My experience at ACAFS inspired me on a personal level by revealing how resilience can emerge even in the most strained family relationships. Watching children light up when they saw their parents, despite the challenges those families faced, reminded me of the deep, innate human need for connection. I also realized that being a calm, consistent presence can offer more support than words alone. This reinforced my desire to become a Marriage and Family Therapist, not just to “fix” problems, but to walk alongside families as they rebuild trust and connection.
Would you recommend this internship to other students?
Yes, I would definitely recommend this internship to other students—especially those interested in therapy, social work, or family systems. It provides firsthand experience with real family dynamics, including those involving trauma, abuse, and reunification. The role teaches you how to stay neutral in emotionally charged situations, how to observe without judgment, and how to support families without overstepping. It’s a challenging but deeply meaningful experience that builds both professional and personal insight into the complexities of human relationships.
Is there anything else you would like to say regarding your internship?
Yes. This internship was one of the most formative experiences of my academic journey so far. It challenged me emotionally, pushed me to grow professionally, and gave me a front-row seat to the complexities of family life under stress. I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from real situations that can’t be fully captured in textbooks or lectures. It deepened my empathy, strengthened my commitment to becoming a therapist, and reminded me why I chose this field: to help families heal, reconnect, and thrive.
