About Lillian H. Ribeiro, MA, RDT

Founder of Drama with a Twist

Lillian H. Ribeiro, MA, RDT (she/ela) is a tri-lingual Applied Theatre Practitioner and Registered Drama Therapist based in New Jersey who speaks English, Portuguese and basic Spanish. Drama therapy is a therapeutic framework that uses metaphor to improve emotional well-being and healing, promote self awareness, rehearse and  practice behaviors, resolve conflicts and achieve personal goals. As a drama therapist, Lillian specializes in working with youth ages 3+, survivors of domestic violence, and elders who have Alzhiemer’s and Dementia. Lillian works with individuals, families and groups in reaching their therapeutic goals by utilizing a range of theatrical distancing techniques and embodied approaches that encourages emotional expression and integration of the physical body. Lillian supports clients in safely expressing their feelings by using psychoeducational materials, writing, storytelling, performance, theatre games,  projective / imaginative play using roles, puppetry, costumes, toy miniatures and sand play to process emotions and improve social-emotional learning. 

Currently, Lillian practices drama therapy with youth at Lighthouse Counseling & Sand Play Training Center and at 180 Turning Lives Around, the lead domestic violence agency of Monmouth County. In addition to her drama therapy work, Lillian serves on the Board of the North American Drama Therapy Association (NADTA) as Eastern Region Representative. Lillian is a graduate of Rutgers University’s Theatre Arts and Speech Program, CUNY’s School of Professional Studies - Applied Theatre Studies Program, and Registered Drama Therapist (RDT) through North American Drama Therapy Association. Lillian holds several certifications through Rutgers University School of Social Work, is a Domestic Violence Specialist (DVS) candidate under the New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence, certified in yoga, trained in Sand Play, and facilitator of TimeSlips, a participant-centered storytelling method that creatively engages aging adults’ with Alzheimer’s and dementia. During Lillian’s time off, she enjoys globetrotting, practicing yoga and meditating, reading on the beach, being in nature forest bathing, hiking, cycling and rollerskating at a local rink.