About

Hi I’m Michelle, and I'm so glad you're here.

  • As a trauma-informed Art Psychotherapist, I'm passionate about helping people of all ages navigate life's challenges through the power of creative expression. I deeply believe in the wisdom within each individual and the transformative power of a therapeutic relationship built on trust, empathy, and mutual respect.

    My approach is rooted in 5 core principles:
    🌱 Trauma-Informed (safe & supportive)
    💖 Person-Centered (empowering you)
    🌈 Affirming & Inclusive (celebrating diversity)
    🧠 Mindfulness-Based (present & aware)
    😋 Anti-Perfect (process over product)

    At Oaza Therapy, I strive to create a warm, inclusive space where you can reconnect with your strengths and explore your inner world. My approach is tailored to meet your unique needs, combining Art Psychotherapy with evidence-based therapies like Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT).

    Growing up as a Croatian-born, Singapore-raised Third Culture Kid (TCK), I've experienced firsthand the complexities of cultural transitions and the importance of finding safety in unfamiliar landscapes.

    Whether you're seeking support for yourself or a loved one, I'm here to guide you through a journey of self-discovery and transformation that honours your whole being — mind, body, and spirit.

    Ready to start this journey together? I can't wait to meet you and hear your story.

  • Memberships

    2021 – Registered Art Therapist (AThR) of the Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA)

    2025 – Registered Member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA)

    2025 – Registered Member of CCPA’s Creative Arts in Counselling and Psychotherapy Chapter

    Qualifications

    2021 – Master of Arts: Art Therapy from Goldsmiths’ College, University of London (delivered by LASALLE College of the Arts, Singapore)

    2017  – Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Psychology (2:1) from University of Chester (delivered by Raffles College of Higher Education, Singapore)

    2016  – Advanced Diploma in Applied Psychology from Raffles College of Higher Education, Singapore

    2014 – International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma from German European School Singapore (GESS)

  • 2025 – “Somatic Experiencing® Trauma Master Class”, Peter Levine (PESI – Professional Education Systems Institute), Online, 8.5 hours

    2025 – “Basic First Aid + AED Provider Course (BFA+AED)”, Singapore Red Cross Academy, Singapore, 8 hours

    2025 – “The Jungian Sandplay Therapy Journey”, Marion Anderson (Sandplay Therapy Singapore), Singapore, 21 hours

    2024 – “Introduction to Play Therapy”, Abigail Lee (Healing Hearts Centre), Singapore, 21 hours

    2023 – “Complexity of Adaptation to Trauma Workshop: Parts I-III” Joseph Spinazzola (Complex Trauma Training Institute), Online, 12 hours

    2023 – “TF-CBT: Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy”, The Association for Psychological Therapies (APT), Online, 8 hours

    2023 – “MBCT: Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy”, The Association for Psychological Therapies (APT), Online, 18 hours

    2023 – “SISW: Suicide Intervention Skills Workshop”, Samaritans of Singapore (SOS), Singapore, 16 hours

    2022 – “Sex Work Inclusive Psychological Practice”, Dr. Sarah Ashton (SHIPS Psychology), Online, 3 hours

    2022 – “Sexual Assault First Responder Training”, Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE), Singapore, 3 hours

  • 2021 – Ronald P.M.H. Lay, Michelle Baraba, Khoo Ling In. JoCAT (The Journal of Creative Arts Therapies), Volume 16, Number 2, 2021. www.jocatonline.org/s/11JoCAT_V16N2-2021-RL-MB-KLI.pdf

Clinical Specializations

  • Sometimes words aren’t enough. Art gives anger a safe, creative outlet — helping uncover triggers and build healthier ways to cope.

  • When feelings overwhelm, art can quiet the noise. It lowers stress, lifts mood, and helps untangle emotions without needing precise words to explain.

  • For minds that race, art creates focus. It channels energy, improves impulse control, and makes self-regulation feel more like play than work.

  • Not everyone speaks in words. Art becomes a bridge — helping express emotions, build social skills, and connect in ways that feel authentic.

  • Adjusting to life’s changes is hard. Art helps process grief, reclaim identity, and find strength in new ways of being.

  • Memories fade, but creativity stays. Art sparks joy, stirs old memories, and gives meaning to moments when words fall short.

  • Traditional learning doesn’t fit everyone. Art unlocks confidence by celebrating how you think, not just what you “should” know.

  • Exploring who you are shouldn’t feel risky. Here, art is a safe space to experiment, question, and claim your truth without judgment.

  • Ever wish you could “draw” your feelings? Art reveals patterns, helps communication, and makes conflicts easier to untangle.

  • Shame has no place here. Art lets you explore intimacy, self-worth, and desire at your own pace — no awkward conversations required.

  • Between worlds, belonging feels complicated. Art helps piece together identity when “home” is everywhere and nowhere.

  • Some wounds resist words. Art gently helps process pain, rebuild safety, and reclaim power — one brushstroke at a time.