About Us

Who is Ascend Psychology?

Psychologists:

Dr. Kristy Johnson, PhD, R.Psych is a registered psychologist and the owner of Ascend Psychology Ltd. She adheres to a client-centered model of practice. As such, she believes that her clients are the experts in their own experiences and difficulties, and they have the ability to produce change in their own lives. Kristy strives to create a collaborative, trusting, and empathetic counselling relationship in order to explore the various difficulties her clients are facing. By using systemic, emotion-focused, and trauma (when appropriate) approaches to counselling, Kristy can help clients better understand themselves, their current difficulties, and their natural skills, abilities, and resilience. 

*Not currently accepting new clients

Payton Lundquist, MC is a registered psychologist with over five years experience in areas of trauma and addictions. She works with youth, adults, and couples and can support various mental health concerns including anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, interpersonal difficulties, and self-esteem. 

Through the lens of person-centered, attachement, and somatic based therapies, Payton is devoted to cultivating a warm and compassionate connection with her clients. Establishing a safe relationship is of utmost importance in helping individuals to feel comfortable in being their authentic selves while exploring personal challenges and confronting life's difficulties. Payton approaches therapy from a place of genuine interest and excitement in helping others learn about themselves and enhance their connection to their inner world. She enjoys spending time in the mountains and cozying up to a good book with her furry creature. 

*Morning and afternoon availability

Counsellors:

Reyna Sandford, MC, CCC is a Canadian Certified Counsellor and a professional member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA).  She enjoys working with children, adolescents and adults dealing with various mental health concerns, including: anxiety; mood disorders; grief and loss; self-esteem; and, relationship problems. She firmly believes that a collaborative therapeutic relationship is a vital element of effective counselling. Her empathetic and compassionate approach creates an environment in which clients can feel safe and accepted. Reyna's professional passion is advocating for mental health and decreasing the stigma associated with mental illness. 

*Morning, afternoon, and evening availability

Jennifer Epp, MPS, CCC is a Canadian Certified Counsellor and a professional member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). Her passion is working with adolescents and adults. She has years of experience supporting individuals in various economic circumstances and with wide-ranging abilities.

 

Jennifer’s empathy and warmth help to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can feel secure throughout their healing journey. She is avid about helping individuals find meaning and purpose in their lives and believes that everyone can heal and live well through deeper connection with themselves and others. Her approach is collaborative and includes person-centered, strength-based, and emotionally focused therapeutic approaches. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching movies, reading, and active activities including hiking and walking her dog.


*Afternoon and evening availability

Counselling Trainee: 

Please see Internships tab for more information.

Therapy with a Trainee: As part of most professional degrees in therapeutic practice, students are expected to complete a number of hours under the direct supervision of a competent supervisor. This practice allows trainees to develop their therapeutic skills, ensure their practice meets ethical standards, and demonstrate the necessary competence to begin independent practice.

Ascend Psychology offers therapy sessions with trainees (directly supervised by Dr. Johnson) for a reduced hourly rate from September through April each year. Trainees are either completing or have completed a Master's degree in counselling psychology or a related field. For more information, please email us.