http://journeytowardshopecounseling.org/

Journey Towards Hope Counseling, Joplin, MO (2025)

07/26/2025

Yesterday, I had a SLIME event at the Ozark Camp and Retreat Center in Neosho, and—true to slime fashion—it got a little messy.

Somehow during all the fun, a blob of slime ended up on my shoe. I didn’t notice it at first… until I went to grab a bite to eat afterward.

As I walked into the restaurant, I caught a few people looking at my shoe. I glanced down and there it was—bright, sticky slime still stuck to my shoe.

And honestly? I smiled.
That little blob of slime felt like a badge of honor. A reminder of the work I get to do.
Because slime isn’t just a mess—it’s become part of my journey, and the way I help others process theirs.

It made me think—
We often notice something “off” about someone and form quick opinions.
But just like that slime on my shoe, people carry things with them that tell a story.
Sometimes it’s obvious. Sometimes it’s hidden.
But either way—it’s part of where they’ve been and what they’re walking through.

So let’s be slow to judge and quick to care.
Because you never know what kind of slime someone’s carrying…
or what kind of journey they’re on.

If you’re feeling stuck or just need a space to process your own journey, I’m currently accepting new clients.

Journey Towards Hope Counseling is nestled inside Journey Through Slime, right in the heart of Main Street at 2310 S. Main, Joplin, Missouri.

📞 Call or text 417-553-8000
Let’s walk it together.

Giving you HOPE while you are on your JOURNEY,
—Travis Bolin 🍋

07/24/2025

Today was truly special. I had the privilege of making slime and sharing our Journey Through Slime story with the campers at Soroptimist Kids Camp at the beautiful Ozark Camp and Retreat Center in Neosho, Missouri.

These incredible kids are currently in foster care, and it was such a blessing to speak life into their journey—reminding them that no matter what they’ve been through, they can persevere, and with time, life truly can get better.

I loved teaching them through slime-making that their hard stuff doesn’t define them—it shapes them. We talked about how every slime tells a story—and how the glue represents the struggles, but the sprinkles? That’s the hope. The belief that better days are coming. The reminder that no matter where you are in your journey, it’s not over yet.

It was also so good to see Shana Davis, one of the camp leaders. Many years ago, I was the school counselor for her son, Jadason Davis, at Carthage Middle School. What a beautiful moment to cross paths again on this journey!

And one of my favorite moments of the day: we found a tiny Jesus figurine tucked inside some of the glue! (How He ended up in the glue is still a mystery—but it was the sweetest surprise.) One of the camper leaders was so excited, she got to take home Little Jesus—with all his Gluey Glory.

For many years, I’ve said it’s slime and Jesus that have helped me along the way on this journey. And today was just another reminder that when you mix faith, creativity, and a little hope—you can brighten someone’s day in the most unexpected way.

If you’re ever planning a retreat, camp, school event, or team-building day, I’d love to be part of it. Let’s bring the slime, the message of perseverance, and the joy—because
slime makes you happy from the inside out.

-Travis Bolin
Licensed Professional Counselor 🍋

07/21/2025

Exciting News! We still have spots available for Mental Health Mondays at Journey Through Slime Event Studio & Scoop Shoppe! 🎉🍦

🗓️ Next Class:
July 28th| 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

👾💚 “How to Tame Slimey the Worry Monster!”
A hands-on, creative workshop designed to help kids better understand and manage their feelings—through slime, fun, and learning! 🙌

Is your child:
✅ Anxious or nervous?
✅ Diagnosed with ADHD?
✅ Struggling with focus or excessive worry?
Then this class is perfect for them!

💬 Kids will:
• Learn healthy coping strategies
• Make their very own Slimey the
Worry Monster
• Enjoy ice cream 🍨
• Take home a stress-relieving fidget
toy!

🎟️ Limited seats—reserve yours today!
Message us here to sign up or ask questions.

Scholarships and reduced fees are available.

✨ Led by Licensed Professional Counselor, Travis Bolin.

07/19/2025

🍋 When Life Gives You Lemons… 🍋
A few months ago, one of my high school clients gifted me a beautiful piece of artwork that simply says:

“When life gives you lemons…”

It now hangs on the wall at Journey Towards Hope Counseling — right near the seat where many clients sit.
At first glance, it’s just a cute phrase… but if you look closely, it ties right into something deeper:

🍋 Our logo features a lemon tree. I chose the lemon tree because, let’s be honest — life does give us lemons.
Moments that feel bitter, sour, overwhelming, and hard to handle.
Stress. Grief. Anxiety. Conflict. Disappointment.
But here’s the thing: lemons are more than just a symbol of hardship.
They’re also a reminder that healing is possible — if you stay in the journey.

Around the office, you’ll find lemon-themed decorations in little corners and on shelves — not just because they’re cheerful, but because they spark conversations.
Clients — especially younger ones — often ask, “Why all the lemons?”
And that opens the door for a beautiful conversation about how life can be tough, but there’s still joy, growth, and sweetness to be found… even in the sour.

One of my clients once glanced at the lemon tree in our logo and said,
“I get it now. When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade.”
Another laughed and said, “I throw them at people!”
(And yes, that made me laugh too — though we might need to talk about that one in session 😉)

So I want to gently ask you…

👉 What do you do when life gives you lemons?
• Do you shut down and keep it all inside?
• Do you react quickly and then carry regret?
• Do you avoid the hard things and hope they pass?
• Or… do you lean into the discomfort and try to grow?

Here at Journey Towards Hope Counseling, I believe you don’t have to figure it all out at once.
You don’t have to process the pain alone.
And you don’t have to carry the weight forever.

Whether you’re on a rocky path or just trying to take the next step, your journey matters — and I’d be honored to walk with you.

I’m currently accepting new clients. My office is rooted in the heart of Main Street…2310 South Main, Joplin, MO. If you’ve got some lemons and you’re not sure what to do with them, let’s talk.
Together, we can make something meaningful — even beautiful — out of the sour.

Because sometimes, the best parts of your story come from the hardest parts of your journey.

I want to give you HOPE while you are on your JOURNEY! Message me on FB or call my office…417.553.8000.

—Travis Bolin, LPC 🍋

07/17/2025

We’re SO excited for two special days where Journey Through Slime and Journey Canvas Co. are coming together for one unforgettable experience!

💥 Both businesses are rooted in the heart of S. Main St.—
🧼 Journey Through Slime on S. Main St. in Joplin, Missouri
🎨 Journey Canvas Co. on S. Main St. in Webb City, Missouri

Though we offer similar experiences, our missions are beautifully aligned. We both believe in creativity, connection, and making space for families to imagine, express, and enjoy meaningful moments together. We’re honored to be on this journey with you—and can’t wait to bring something special to life alongside your child!

Travis Bolin, Licensed Professional Counselor at Journey Towards Hope Counseling will be leading the session with fun, therapeutic activities designed to help children explore self-expression, creativity, and emotional awareness through slime-making.

📍 Location: Journey Canvas Co. – 22 S. Main St., Webb City, MO
📅 Dates:
• Wednesday, Aug 6 at 12:30 PM
• Saturday, Aug 9 at 12:30 PM
💵 $25 per child
🎟️ Pre-registration required

🌐 Sign up at: journeycanvasco.com

Let your child explore, create, and have fun—one slime blob at a time. 💚
This is more than just an event… it’s part of the journey.

07/09/2025

Today I had the privilege of visiting Camp Cyokamo to teach a lesson on their theme: “Never the Same.” I shared the story of Joseph from Genesis 50:20, where he tells his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Joseph’s journey wasn’t easy—betrayed, abandoned, forgotten—but God had a bigger plan. Through it all, Joseph was never the same—and that was the point. His trials prepared him for something greater.

As part of the lesson, I brought in slime-making—one of my favorite hands-on ways to teach deeper truths. I themed the activity around Genesis 50:20, with each ingredient representing a piece of Joseph’s journey: the sticky glue for his struggles, the pigment for his God-given gifts, the scent for life’s sweet moments that carry us through, and the activator for how God works in us. Once it’s all mixed and stirred, the slime is never the same again—just like us when we let God shape our story. You can’t turn it back into plain white glue. You’ve been changed—and that change can be beautiful.

The campers loved making and designing their slime. They were an amazing and well-behaved group!

It was also so special catching up with Kristen Steele—a friend since 2000! We taught together at Harry S Truman Elementary in Oronogo, Missouri, and it’s such a gift to reconnect with longtime friends. And I loved running into Joel Pugh—he went to Carthage Intermediate Center and was there helping with the kids. I used to be the school counselor at Carthage Intermediate School (2011-2020). What a full-circle moment!

If you’re looking for someone to speak to your camp, school, church, or team, I’d love to come and share a message of hope and purpose.
📞 417-317-5416
📩 Message me on Facebook

If you’re in a hard season and need someone to walk alongside you, I’d be honored to be that support. As a counselor, my heart is to give you hope while you’re on your journey. Call today to set up an appointment.

Because after the storm, after the stirring—we’re never the same. And that’s often when God does His best work.

—Travis Bolin, LPC 🍋

07/06/2025

During communion today, I looked over and saw a group of teenagers get up and form a circle. They put their arms around each other and started praying.

I sat there thinking… When was the last time I stopped everything and did that?
Not just thought about someone. Not just said “I’ll pray for you.”
But actually paused, in the middle of the day, and really prayed for someone?

The minister talked about grit… about pushing through, not giving up, fighting through even when it’s hard. And I couldn’t help but think how much that applies to our walk with God — and how much we need each other to keep going.

It reminded me how easy it is to get caught up in my own journey — my plans, my schedule, my to-do list — and completely miss the people around me who just need to be lifted up.

So I’m asking you the same question I asked myself:
Who do you need to stop for today?
Who’s on your heart?
Who needs prayer — even if they haven’t asked for it?

Life moves fast, but moments like today remind me:
Sometimes the most important part of the journey… is slowing down to pray.

And if today, you’re the one who needs someone to come alongside you — someone to pray with you, talk with you, or walk with you through a hard season — I’m here. You are not supposed to do life alone.

I want to give you hope while you are on your journey. I’m currently accepting new clients at Journey Towards Hope Counseling. Call 417.553.8000 to book your counseling appointment.

We’re located right in the heart of Main Street — 2310 South Main in BEAUTIFUL Joplin, Missouri.

—Travis Bolin, LPC 🍋

07/05/2025

Four years ago on July 3, 2021, Amelia and I were on a search for the perfect home for Journey Through Slime. I had toured so many places, hoping one would feel like the perfect fit. I prayed. I waited. But nothing gave me peace. Nothing felt right.

But on that day, Amelia came with me.

We pulled into the lot at 2310 S. Main in Joplin. The windows were dusty, and the studio was still completely empty. We peeked through the front, and then I stepped away to walk around and check out the rest of the space.

When I came back, I noticed something written in the dust on the front door:

“Amelia was here. July 3, 2021 Journey Through Slime”
And then she drew a little heart.

I just stood there and stared at the writing in the dust.

It was simple. But it was clear.

I looked at Amelia and said, “This is it.”

And 110 days later—on October 21, 2021—Journey Through Slime opened those freshly cleaned front doors to our very first slime guests, and hundreds came to celebrate with us.

We had no idea that day we were standing in what would become the heart of Main Street—not just for slime and celebrations, but for healing too.

At the time, I didn’t realize God was also preparing that upstairs office space to become the home of my counseling office. What began as a search for a fun, creative place also became a space filled with healing, hope, and purpose.

After all the searching and second-guessing, that quiet little message—written by my daughter—gave me the peace I had been praying for. It was one of those moments where you just know.

I’ve always prayed that Amelia would speak Jesus to others—not just in what she says, but in how she lives. And on that day, she did.

The photos below show the studio before we began remodeling. (I’m so glad I took a picture of that beautiful message in the dust. It is posted below). It’s humbling to look back and remember how it all began. What looked empty on the outside was actually full of promise. We weren’t just finding a space—we were being led to it.

Every part of this journey has been covered in prayer. Every corner of this studio tells a story. And every time I walk past that front window, I remember what she wrote—and how it all began.

If you’re in a season of waiting or searching, don’t lose heart. Sometimes the clearest answers come in quiet, unexpected ways. What feels unclear today—what feels like dust—might just be the beginning of a journey you’ll never forget.

I want to give you hope while you are in your journey. Give me a call 417.553.8000 or message me on Facebook to schedule a counseling session.

—Travis Bolin, LPC 🍋

07/04/2025

Exactly one year ago, I moved my counseling office. It’s nestled upstairs above Journey Through Slime — the smallest space I’ve ever counseled in… and somehow, the one that feels the most like home.

For years, I dreamed of having a counseling team. And for a while, I had that. I had my counseling practice at another location with a team — and it was absolutely God’s plan for that season. But over time, I’ve learned that it’s all about His timing, and His timing brought me here.

This past year has reminded me: the journey doesn’t always look like we pictured it. Sometimes the most unexpected paths lead us exactly where we’re meant to be.

Having both of my businesses under one roof has brought so much peace and purpose. There’s a rhythm and joy to it — I’m more present, more productive, and more grounded. I have everything I need in one place — to create, to counsel, and to truly walk with others through their own journey.

Four years ago, my daughter Amelia had the idea to open a slime studio. I had no idea how beautifully it would all come together. I never would’ve guessed that one day my counseling office would sit right above Journey Through Slime— and that both parts of my world would fit so perfectly under one roof. Looking back now, I can clearly see: God was working it all out, even when I didn’t understand how.

Not long ago, my cousin Cindy asked, “If someone told you 10 years ago that you’d have a counseling office above a slime studio… what would you say?” I would’ve laughed and said, “Not a chance.”

But now? I smile and say:
This is exactly where I’m supposed to be.
It’s not the dream I had on paper — but it’s more beautiful than I imagined.

I am so thankful every single day. I get to witness healing in so many forms — whether it’s through a breakthrough in counseling, a quiet moment of reflection, or even someone lighting up while making slime. It’s all part of the journey… and it’s all meaningful.

If you’re in a season where your journey feels uncertain or heavy, I want to remind you — you’re not alone. I want to give you hope while you’re on your journey.

Located right in the heart of Main Street…
2310 South Main, Beautiful Joplin, MO

Give me a call: 417-553-8000

—Travis Bolin, LPC 🍋

06/30/2025

Have you ever had one of those days…?

Days when your heart feels heavy, and you’re missing someone so deeply it’s almost hard to breathe. Days when you long for how things used to be — the voice you used to hear, the presence you used to feel.

Grief can wash over us like that — sudden, overwhelming, and all-consuming. It’s okay to feel it. It’s okay to grieve.

But sometimes, even in the middle of that heaviness, God drops a small, unexpected moment of grace. A moment that reminds us we are not alone — that joy can still break through.

The other day, I was at a gas station, airing up my tire. (At the time, I didn’t know I had run over a screw — I found out later and got it fixed.) I pulled up to use the air pump, but someone unknowingly cut in front of me. So I went inside to get change. When I came back out, the man was gone.

And here’s the beautiful part: there was still time left on the air pump. I pulled up, aired up my tire — and it was free.

A few days later, I returned to that same gas station on a rainy day. I really didn’t want to get out of my SUV — I was dreading it. I got out and put those quarters in (the quarters I got a few days before). But when I finally did, something unexpected happened. As I bent over to use the air pump, feeling the rain pouring down on my back, I realized I wasn’t bothered by it. Instead, I actually found myself enjoying the cool rain.

That moment reminded me that even when life feels hard or uncomfortable, there can be a shift inside us — a moment of peace or unexpected joy.

That small moment felt like a “joy bomb” — a word I recently learned from Joy Bomb by Tauren Wells. In his book, he talks about how God places these little bursts of joy in our lives to remind us He’s working — even when things feel heavy or uncertain.

Those two days, getting air in my tire was a reminder that God is working it all out for good — even when we can’t see it yet.

If you’re grieving, overwhelmed, or weighed down today, I want you to remember: grief and joy can live side by side. You don’t have to rush your healing, but don’t miss those tiny moments of grace tucked into the everyday.

And here’s the thing — you can be a joy bomb, too. Maybe it’s a smile to someone who looks sad in the store. Maybe it’s a kind word to a coworker who seems lonely. Maybe it’s simply being present for someone who needs it.

God places people in our lives — both to bless us and for us to bless others. Don’t miss those chances.

If your heart feels heavy and you need someone to walk alongside you—I want to help.

✨ I’m accepting new clients and would be honored to help you find hope and healing on your journey. ✨

📞 Call 417-553-8000 to book an appointment.

Journey Towards Hope Counseling is nestled inside Journey Through Slime. We are located at 2310 South Main, Joplin, MO—RIGHT IN THE HEART OF MAIN STREET!

Let’s discover your joy bombs together. 💛

—Travis Bolin, LPC 🍋

06/16/2025

Today I was truly blessed to have my family over at my home to celebrate Father’s Day — and to celebrate my daughter Amelia’s 15th birthday! I loved sharing Father’s Day and Amelia’s birthday together—it made this day even more meaningful and unforgettable.

I wish I had taken more pictures, but here are the moments I was able to capture today. Amelia even took a sweet picture of us in the car on the way to church to mark this beautiful day.

I love being a father to Amelia. She is such a blessing in my life. I always tell her, if you are loved by Amelia Bolin, you are loved well. That’s something she’s taught me too — to love deeply, richly, and without holding back. Amelia is a bright light wherever she goes. Her kindness, joy, and spirit touch everyone she meets. I truly believe God has big plans for her, and it’s a gift to watch her grow into the amazing young woman she’s becoming every day. Happy birthday, Amelia.

And to my dad, on this Father’s Day, thank you. You are an incredible man and a steady guide in my life. I’m so blessed and grateful for your love, your strength, and the example you’ve set. Thank you for being such an amazing husband to Mom for 54 years (dated three years…57 years together). Your love is a beautiful example for all of us.

—Travis Bolin, LPC 🍋

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