Building Bonds Through Play: Exploring EFFT In The Playroom

This introductory workshop invites play therapists to explore how Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) and play therapy come together to strengthen attachment and family connection. Using a playful and systemic lens, we will examine how distressing interactional cycles can disrupt secure bonds and how emotionally responsive play can help repair them.

Participants will learn how to:

• Recognize and shift negative patterns that fuel disconnection between children and caregivers
• Identify and respond to parental blocks that get in the way of meeting children’s attachment needs
• Understand the power of positive interactional cycles rooted in emotional accessibility, responsiveness, and engagement (the ARE model)
• Interpret the deeper emotional needs embedded in children’s play
• Use play-based interventions to support emotion coaching, attunement, and relational safety

Join Liliana Baylon, LMFT-S, RPT-S, EFFT Supervisor, EMDRIA Approved Consultant in a reflection on what it means to hold the attachment lens in the playroom—and how that perspective transforms our approach to guiding families toward healing.

3 CEs available to NYS LMHCs, LMFTs, LCSWs, LMSWs, LCATs, NYS Licensed Psychologists and NYS Licensed Psychoanalysts provided by Hudson Valley Professional Development, LLC upon successful completion of training.

Objectives:

Upon completion of the training, participants will be able to:

-identify two core benefits of integrating Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) with Play Therapy in the treatment of families.

-describe two primary goals of using an attachment-based lens within family play therapy.

-identify two specific strategies for involving caregivers in sessions to support emotional attunement and strengthen secure attachment.

-recognize at least two common blocks caregivers may experience when responding to their child’s attachment needs in the playroom.

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In accordance with the NY State Department of Education guidelines, in order to receive continuing education contact hours, a participant needs to be present for the duration of the workshop/training. Therefore, participants who arrive late or leave the event early will not be granted a certificate of completion.

​Cancellation Policy: Refunds will be provided for cancellations made in writing up to the day before the event.

Accommodations and Accessibility: HVPD welcomes participants with diverse abilities. Please contact us at info@hudsonvalleyprofessionaldevelopment.com to request accessibility accommodations. Accommodation requests are considered in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

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Liliana Baylon, MBA, LMFT-S, RPT-S

Liliana Baylon helps therapists and supervisors bring cultural humility, trauma awareness, and attachment-informed care into every session. As a bilingual, bicultural, and licensed marriage and family therapist, she specializes in supporting migrant, first-generation, and BIPOC communities through family and child therapy. With advanced training in EMDR, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Play Therapy, Liliana is an AAMFT Approved Supervisor, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, ICEEFT Supervisor (EFIT/EFCT/EFFT), and Registered Play Therapist Supervisor. She provides consultation, mentorship, and continuing education for therapists, supervisors, and organizations as they navigate the cultural, emotional, and systemic dimensions of healing. Her trainings are known for blending deep clinical insight with real-world cultural applications, offering actionable tools for professionals in agencies, schools, and private practice.