Meet Clinical Mental Health Counseling Alumnus: Brennan Champagne

Brennan Champagne smiles at the camera.
July 22, 2026
The School of Education
For Brennan Champagne, pursuing Gonzaga University’s Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program was an opportunity to deepen his understanding of both people and himself. Throughout the program, he strengthened his ability to listen, connect, and approach counseling with humility and care. Along the way, experiences in research, clinical training, and community building helped shape his perspective as a practitioner. In this Q&A, he shares what he learned and how those lessons continue to influence his work.

Why did you decide to return to school for a master’s degree?

I graduated with my undergraduate degree in psychology and, honestly, it’s difficult to find a job in the psychology field without a master’s degree. I saw a master’s degree as an avenue to further my growth, both personally and academically, while also offering me an opportunity to establish myself as a practitioner in the mental health field.

Why Gonzaga and why the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program?

With my undergraduate degree coming from Gonzaga, I was familiar with the university's mission and emphasis on cura personalis, or care for the whole person. Gonzaga’s program balances the clinical with the humanistic. When I visited for the group interview day and met with professors and current students, I was able to envision the sort of counselor I wanted to become. One that is able to tolerate ambiguity, is aware of the various intersecting identities and worldviews each client can bring with them into the counseling space, and sees the infinite value in each person.

What skills did you develop in the program?

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program helped me develop a number of foundational skills that are invaluable assets in the counseling field. I entered the program knowing that I was an empathetic person and someone people felt comfortable talking to. However, the program taught me that there is a depth to listening that is beyond words. The ability to meet each and every client where they are on their journey, to walk alongside them, and to hold space for them. Through even the most minimal body language or verbal cue, to be able to articulate to a client - “I am here with you, I see you, and I accept you.”

How is the program helping you in your current role?

I am currently working as a mental health counselor in private practice. Something from the program that I think about everyday is the emphasis on intentionality, mindful self-awareness, and humility. These are necessary traits required to be cognizant of my blind spots, personal biases, or areas where I need to improve as a clinician. While these can be difficult to confront within ourselves, if we’re not aware of them, these can enter the counseling room and be detrimental to client progress. The program instilled in me the ethical obligation to strive towards continuous self-development and self-actualization as a counselor and human.

What has your return on investment been? Financial, career, personal, etc.

My investment in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program has returned in a number of ways, some expected and others unexpected. For one, it has offered me a clear path towards a stable, licensed career. It’s also given me the tools to understand the human experience, including my own, on a much deeper level and connect with people in a more meaningful and intentional way.

How was it building community with your peers in the program?

One major benefit of Gonzaga’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is the cohort model, which encourages building community from the very start. You work closely with your peers over the course of the two year program, where you share a majority of classes outside one or two electives. The program is difficult, often requiring long hours and late nights. I found that being able to rely on each other to study, to find support, or sometimes just a laugh went a long way and I couldn’t have made it through without them.

How was your experience with the faculty?

The faculty sets the tone for the program. It was evident to me early on that they care about each of their students and are passionate about fostering a space for learning, collaboration, and growth. Each faculty offers their unique theoretical and personal approach to counseling which enabled me to see how a variety of counseling styles can be effective. The faculty are willing to meet you where you’re at and support you in your professional and academic goals, if you are willing to commit to the process.

How was the internship/practicum experience? How did it set you up for success in your career?

I completed my internship at a local community college where I worked with a variety of clients through a primarily solution-focused lens. The opportunity to put my skills learned in the classroom to practice and the mentorship received from my internship supervisor were invaluable parts of my education. I learned about coordinating with other mental health systems, grew in confidence with intake assessments and brief therapy models, and had the opportunity to take on a mentorship role as well. The internship set me up for success in so many ways, and I will be forever grateful for those clients I was able to work with in those early days.

What surprised you about the program?

Far and away, what surprised me the most about the program was the emphasis on our own personal growth and development as humans. The program challenges you to be more intentional, mindful, and congruent in all areas of your life. Don’t get me wrong, in retrospect it made all the sense in the world. I was drawn to the program because of its holistic approach to education and so it focuses on shaping not just  Brennan-the-counselor, but  Brennan-the-person. As a counselor, we are our most important and effective tool in our counseling toolbox. We need to take care of ourselves so we can care for others and this program makes that a vital imperative.

What advice would you give to someone considering Gonzaga’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program?

The phrase, “You will get out what you put in” is often repeated throughout the program and I found that this was absolutely true. Entering on the first day, I wasn’t exactly sure what my time in the program would look like, but I can confidently say there are so many opportunities to challenge yourself, grow, and push yourself if you’re willing to take them. This program will be hard and uncomfortable at times, but you will leave a more integrated, self-aware human. We can only take our clients as far as we’ve been willing to go ourselves. So, push yourself because then you’ll be more equipped to challenge and push your clients when the time comes.

What, if any, research opportunities were available to you and what did you gain from them?

Early in the program, every student completes a research proposal as part of the program requirements. Through the relationships that I developed with the faculty and my willingness to make this proposal a reality, I was able to pursue research as part of my program training. Working closely with Dr. McKinney in particular, I turned this proposal into a full-fledged, grant-funded qualitative research study that was eventually published in the The Journal of LGBTQ Issues in Counseling. By participating in research I became better equipped to engage with research articles and apply them to my clinical practice. Also, the experience presenting with faculty at both the national and international levels is something I will never forget.