The member spotlight highlights individual achievements, contributions, and unique qualities within the group work community and as members of ASGW, fostering recognition, connection, and inspiration. It acknowledges members' efforts, motivates others through their successes, and builds camaraderie by sharing personal stories. Additionally, spotlights promote diversity, inclusion, and knowledge-sharing while reinforcing ASGW’s core values. This practice strengthens community bonds and aligns group members with shared goals through platforms like newsletters, social media, and events.
Katie Grant, MS, LCPC
Katie Grant (who uses "she/they" pronouns) was Katie Bothwell when she graduated with her Associate of Liberal Arts Degree (1999, Scott Community College), Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (2001, Marycrest International University), and Master of Science in Psychology with emphasis in Clinical/Community Mental Health (2006, Western Illinois University). Before she became Katie Grant, she interned and then worked at a community mental health center, taught Introduction to Psychology courses at a commercial college, and worked with survivors in a rape/sexual assault and domestic violence program. Katie was granted independent licensure in Illinois in 2011. After becoming Katie Grant, they worked with clients with intellectual disabilities in a home- and community-based services company, both in direct service and in developing policies and training programs as a case manager and human resources manager. In 2013, Katie opened her solo private practice in Rock Island, Illinois. Having had great trauma treatment training in the survivor program, they decided to specialize in trauma. Katie's business partner and co-therapist, a yellow Labradoodle, registered therapy dog, and personal service dog named Gizmo, quickly drew in a full caseload of clients and did fantastic work until she died unexpectedly in 2023. Katie attempted to relocate to Wisconsin in 2024 but returned to her hometown this fall to open a new location in Davenport, Iowa. Katie felt it was important to serve LGBTQIAP+ clients who felt politically persecuted on the very un-affirming Iowa side of the Mississippi River. It doesn't hurt that she now works five blocks from her home! And she has plenty of room for groups. Katie is currently licensed in 4 states and continues to offer telehealth therapy.
Katie entered volunteer leadership in the Illinois Association for Specialists in Group Work (a state chapter of ASGW and division of the Illinois Counseling Association) in 2020, and their presidency began in 2022; she'll become the Past President in July 2026. They appointed a star of a chairperson to helm the new Service Committee, charged with making their vision of a Service Initiative a reality, and it happened! IASGW has already awarded two applicants $500 each to provide free groups in their communities and has creatively raised funds through projects like an educational series on trauma and member retreats. Under her presidency, the association's bank balance has more than doubled, and the membership is up 150%. Wider in impact is the virtual Peer Support Group that Katie initiated in 2021, beginning as a benefit of IASGW membership but expanding in 2022 to serve the entire Illinois Counseling Association membership. Katie has also directed two successful annual member retreats, and plans are underway for #3.
Katie is almost always running a group of some kind, if not more than one. Her longest-running group was a twice-monthly trans adult therapy group that ran for over 8 years before it trickled out (because their community now had enough resources to meet the need—a great reason). She is currently facilitating a monthly therapy group for neurodivergent adults and is now recruiting for a support group for politically persecuted professionals. She has also facilitated group EMDR therapy sessions for counselors and community members; the protocol is protective against vicarious traumatization, as nobody speaks aloud about the traumatic or negative material they're working on. Katie's favorite groups are focused on healing from childhood trauma; she sees the power of the group as exponential compared to individual therapy (and they can complement each other as well!). Katie is always seeking to decentralize power in their groups. She identifies as a facilitator/member, authentically present, responsible for maintaining safety, but open to being impacted and adjusting course based on members' feedback. And the impact is usually quite positive; Katie is energized by group work, often smiling for the hour or so after facilitation. They hope to continue sharing the joy of communal healing for many years to come.
