Book an Appointment at Sandbox Family Solutions- Stittsville - Stittsville Main Street
Thank you for your interest in Sandbox Family Solutions. Please note, this booking page is for existing clients only. Any new clients looking to schedule, please reach out to our admin at hello@cometothesandbox.ca or 613-621-1589 so we can ensure you are booking in with the right clinician. Be sure to check all locations as some therapists offer services at more than one of our offices.
For any parents looking to book their child in for therapy, please note that we require consent from both parents or a court order outlining sole decision making responsibilities before booking. A parental intake session is required for any children under the age of 16.
If you are looking to book any of our divorce-related services, please reach out to hello@cometothesandbox.ca and our admin would be happy to assist.
Brittany Banks BA, MSW, RSW #844113
Brittany is a Child and Family Therapist. She is a Registered Social Worker (RSW) with a Master of Social Work from the University of Windsor. She has spent the last few years working in children’s mental health, supporting areas including emotion regulation, behavioural difficulties, trauma, anxiety, fear, depression, social skills, family and/or peer conflict, etc.
Brittany has ample experience working with adults (individuals) and couples, both together and separately. She is able to objectively identify each person’s underlying needs and feelings. By pinpointing where communication breakdowns are occurring and offering insight on the actual messages being conveyed (as well as the WHYs), Brittany helps each person feel heard, understood, and better equipped to satisfy their own and their partner’s needs.
Brittany began her Social Work career at the largest mental health hospital in Canada, where she supported adults with mental health challenges, addiction, and concurrent disorders.
Brittany typically integrates a variety of modalities including Collaborative Problem-Solving (CPS), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and more.
Brittany is the proud mother of two young children. Her ability to relate to parents strengthens her therapeutic rapports. She effectively advocates for the children’s needs while also validating the parents’ experiences. Circle of Security Parenting and attachment theory help inform Brittany’s work with children and their caregivers.
Brittany is immensely passionate about improving well-being and relationships of all kinds. She is determined to contribute to positive change that can last a lifetime.
Brittany is a Child and Family Therapist. She is a Registered Social Worker (RSW) with a Master o... Read More
Megan Beninger
(She/Her/Hers)
Registered Nurse Psychotherapist 08362336, under direct supervision of Melissa Lafreniere, RP
Megan is a Registered Nurse Psychotherapist and provides services for adults both in-person and virtually. She has been a Registered Nurse for over 15 years and has worked in a variety of settings including the Emergency Department, clinical research and most recently in acute and community mental health care for the past 10 years at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre. With a rich and varied background as a nurse, complemented by extensive training and exposure in mental health care, she presents a uniquely holistic approach to psychotherapy. Her nursing experience has not only equipped her with a deep understanding of physical health and its intricate connection to mental well-being but has also fostered a profound empathy towards individual client experiences. This blend of medical knowledge and empathetic insight allows her to address the multifaceted nature of mental health issues with an exceptional level of care and understanding. Her exposure to diverse health scenarios has honed her ability to adapt and respond effectively to a wide range of psychological challenges, making her an ideal psychotherapist for individuals seeking comprehensive and compassionate mental health care. She has training in different psychotherapy modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness based practices, Polyvagal Theory and Brainspotting with a strong interest in somatic-based therapies. She is passionate about learning and is always working towards building her psychotherapy toolbox! She works with individuals with a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic illness, stress, burnout and interpersonal concerns. She focuses on developing a strong therapeutic alliance with each client that is based on meeting their unique needs in a safe, welcoming and non-judgemental space. She believes that healing is always possible, and that empowerment facilitates growth and progress.
Megan is a Registered Nurse Psychotherapist and provides services for adults both in-person and v... Read More
Debbie Fredericks Registered Social Service Worker (OCSWSSW), Psychotherapist, Certified Coach (CPC), Mediator and an Alternative Dispute Resolution Practitioner (MCSEO).
Debbie is a registered therapist, certified coach, and professional mediator with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals, couples, and families. Known for a warm, empathetic, and solution-focused approach, Debbie helps clients navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity, confidence, and resilience.
Her work is grounded in evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and Expressive Art Therapy (EAT), along with specialized training in divorce, mediation and conflict resolution.
Recognizing the strong connection between divorce and mental health, Debbie developed a focused expertise in divorce coaching, which has become a central part of her practice. Drawing from both her professional background and personal experience with divorce and co-parenting, she offers a deeply compassionate and informed perspective tailored to each client’s unique situation.
Clients often describe her as energetic, approachable, and refreshingly practical. She is passionate about helping people move forward with purpose and confidence, even during life’s most difficult transitions.
To meet clients where they are, Debbie offers flexible service options, including in-home, in- office, virtual, and mobile sessions.
She is occasionally joined by her beloved French bulldog, Lola, whose presence adds an extra layer of comfort and connection.
Her commitment is simple: to provide meaningful, accessible support that helps clients feel understood, empowered, and ready for what’s next. Debbie offers flexible hours including evenings and weekends.
Debbie is a registered therapist, certified coach, and professional mediator with over 20 years o... Read More
Amber Gauthier RSW #855061, under direct supervision of Melissa Lafreniere, RP#003813
Registered Social Worker, Child and Youth Care Counselor, Family Mediator Amber supports women, children, and families navigating the challenging intersection of mental health and the family law system - especially those who have been affected by intimate partner violence.
As a therapist and family court support worker, she specializes in navigating parent conflict, challenging co-parenting dynamics, children’s emotional or behavioural challenges, separation planning, and the family court process. She can support you, your child(ren), or your family through individual or family therapy, court-ordered reunification therapy, separation planning, family mediation, supervised parenting time, or parent coaching.
Amber has training in children resisting post-separation contact; play therapy; attachment-centered interventions to treat trauma, emotional dysregulation, and behavioral challenges; foundations of nonviolent communication; family mediation; and family law for women’s advocates. Amber utilizes principles of play therapy, attachment, the circle of security, somatic processing, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and systems theories in her work with women, children, and families.
Registered Social Worker, Child and Youth Care Counselor, Family Mediator Amber supports women, ... Read More
Valerie Jean-Gilles BA (Hons), Accredited Family Mediator (AccFM)
Valerie is a bilingual accredited family mediator (AccFM) dedicated to helping families navigate the challenges of separation with dignity, clarity and respect. She offers family mediation services at Sandbox Family Solutions in Ottawa, where she supports parents and families in creating child-focused, practical solutions for their unique circumstances.
With a Bachelor’s in Conflict Studies and a post-graduate certificate in Family mediation, Valerie brings both academic expertise and compassionate practice to her work. She has experience working with families in transition, guiding them through sensitive conversations about parenting, co-parenting, and family dynamics. Her professional background in a quasi-judicial environment has further strengthened her ability to support people during stressful and emotional times, helping families feel heard, understood, and supported.
Valerie’s approach is collaborative and client-centered, grounded in belief that families are best served when they are empowered to make their own decisions about parenting, communication, and arrangements that suit their families. By offering services in both English and French, she ensures accessibility and inclusivity for families across Ottawa and surrounding communities.
Valerie is a bilingual accredited family mediator (AccFM) dedicated to helping families navigate ... Read More
David Lafreniere
(He/Him/His)
Registered Psychotherapist
SERVICES AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH & FRENCH
David is a registered psychotherapist and child/youth worker who is available to support families who are struggling with anxiety, depression and parent child conflict.
Dave brings his extensive experience working with families and thrives in providing a safe, open and non-judgemental environment where individuals can feel supported in their journey.
Dave has excelled in crisis management for families in conflict and believes in building safe and trusting relationships with his all of his clients. He practices from a collaborative and solution focused framework and is a Tier 2 Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS)practitioner. David uses a variety of treatment approaches including Narrative Therapy and CBT to support his clients in moving forward.
Dave has working extensively with children, youth, and families in Ottawa’s community and clinical settings for over 15 years.
SERVICES AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH & FRENCH David is a registered psychotherapist and child/youth... Read More
Melissa Lafreniere
(She/Her/Hers)
MA, RP#003813, AccFM, QFAS
Melissa is an accredited family mediator and registered psychotherapist specializing in child and family therapy, with a passion for fostering healthy relationships and supporting families through life’s transitions. With over 25 years of experience in the field, Melissa has dedicated their career to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate complex emotional and relational challenges.
Melissa combines a deep understanding of psychological principles with practical mediation skills. This unique blend of expertise enables them to effectively facilitate discussions, promote understanding, and assist families in reaching amicable resolutions during times of conflict.
Melissa’s approach is rooted in compassion, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of children and families. She prides herself on providing a safe space for family members to express their feelings, develop effective communication strategies, and mend relationships. Through tailored therapeutic interventions and evidence-based practices, Melissa empowers clients to foster resilience and integrate positive changes into their lives.
As a parenting mediator, Melissa is dedicated to supporting families in creating constructive pathways to resolution, whether through divorce, co-parenting conflicts, or other life transitions. She emphasizes collaboration over confrontation, helping clients prioritize their interests and work together towards mutually beneficial outcomes.
In addition to their clinical work, Melissa actively participates in community education programs, workshops, and seminars to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and effective communication in family dynamics.
When not working with clients, Melissa enjoys spending time with her family and friends and is always on the look out for cheap tickets to exotic destinations.
Melissa is currently accepting new MEDIATION/COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE and ASSESSMENT clients and is committed to providing high-quality support that fosters hope and healing for families in and around the Ottawa area.
Melissa is an accredited family mediator and registered psychotherapist specializing in child and... Read More
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Located at: 1528 Stittsville Main St, Unit A, Stittsville
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Need Help? 613-621-1589 hello@cometothesandbox.ca