White compass illustration representing guidance and direction

Soul Growth

Life is not about a destination; it's an unfolding odyssey where we forge an authentic life fueled by purpose, meaning and truth.

About Me

John Collins seated peacefully by a stream, smiling contemplatively
John Collins, MA in Family Therapy

I'm a former licensed therapist with over 15 years of experience working with at-risk youth and young adults. My journey is grounded in personal transformation—rooted in resilience, identity loss, disillusionment, and the life-changing power of healing.

For the first 16 years of my life, I was known as a gifted athlete. Sports gave me an identity, confidence, and sense of belonging. But everything changed between ages 16 and 17—first with a devastating leg injury, then with torn knee ligaments, then with the tragic death of my best friend's brother in a car crash.

That season broke me. For the next decade, I spiraled into depression, anxiety, and emotional isolation. I began to believe I wasn't enough—something was wrong with me-destined to fail. But eventually, I found a way forward. I reached out. I grieved. I challenged the narratives holding me back. I learned self-compassion—and in doing so, became more compassionate toward others.

That inner shift changed everything. My healing became my calling. Today, it's my mission to give teeangers a roadmap for their lives. I am championing the dire need for spiritual growth, resilience and human connection. I can offer these tools of wisdom I never had in highschool.

Public Speaking

Today's teenagers are navigating an overwhelming world—stressed out, uncertain, and often feeling alone. I know what that feels like. I lived there for nearly a decade. But I also know the way forward. There is a path to healing, hope, purpose, and strength—and that message needs to be heard.

I often think, "If only I had known then what I know now." That's why I speak—to offer what I needed most at that age: self-awareness, clarity, encouragement, connection, and a reminder that your story is still unfolding.

Speaking allows me to share my passion and purpose to inspire kids. With my experience as a therapist and one who struggled as young adult, I can relate to kids today. I meet them where they are and show them what's possible. I speak because I want them to develop confidence and enthusiasm about their future.

Popular Topics Include:

  • Navigating emotional storms: Building bravery and resilience in uncertain times
  • Inner experience: self-awareness, self-discovery, self-care
  • Destigmatizing mental health/asking for help
  • The power of identity: finding purpose and meaning
  • Listening is the key to healthy relationship
  • It's about the journey, not the destination
John Collins delivering a motivational speech to a student audience in a school auditorium

Watch & Listen

Kids And Emotional Literacy

Finding Your Voice

Call Someone

Realistic transparent hummingbird facing inward

Thoughts On...

Realistic transparent hummingbird facing inward mirrored

When No One Understands

Failure As Fuel For Growth

Keep Going

Asking For Help

Finding One Person

Empathy Is The Missing Piece

What Is Authenticity

Taking Risks

Your Values, Interests and Actions

Reflections

Spiritual Growth & Character

Quote from Michael Caine about character and resilience
Quote from Helen Keller about perseverance and hope
Quote from Ernest Hemingway on inner strength and growth
Quote from Viktor Frankl about finding meaning in adversity
Quote from Amanda Gorman on hope and bravery
Quote from Joseph Campbell on personal identity and destiny
Quote from C.S. Lewis on authenticity and becoming oneself
Quote from Tony Robbins about self-empowerment and action
Quote from Lao Tzu on wisdom and self-awareness

Resiliency

Quote from Nelson Mandela about human connection and understanding
Inspirational Bible quote from Hebrews on love and togetherness
Quote from F. Scott Fitzgerald on emotional connection and vulnerability
Quote from Maya Angelou on love and shared humanity
Quote from Martin Luther King Jr. on love as transformative power
Quote from Thomas Edison about perseverance through failure
Quote from Theodore Roosevelt on daring greatly and resilience
Quote from Henry Ford on belief and potential
Quote from Winston Churchill on courage and persistence

Connection & Relationships

Inspirational quote on the value of relationships and connection
Quote from Brené Brown on vulnerability and belonging
Quote from Maya Angelou on truth and self-expression
Quote from Aristotle on friendship and shared soul
Quote from Rumi on love as a force of unity
Quote from Thomas Hansard on empathy and understanding others
Quote from Caitlyn Jenner on identity and transformation
Quote from Dr. Dean Ornish on love and healing
Quote from George Bernard Shaw on living with intention
Quote from Dr. Susan Lederman on self-worth and connection
Quote from Atticus on love and self-discovery
Quote from Barack Obama on unity and shared humanity
Quote from Mark Twain on kindness and courage

Identity Development

Quote from Socrates on knowing oneself
Quote from Pablo Picasso on finding purpose through creation
Quote from Mahatma Gandhi on being the change you wish to see
Quote from Hermann Hesse on embracing life's dualities
Quote from Carl Jung on the importance of integrating the shadow self
Another quote from Carl Jung on individuation and wholeness
Second quote from Martin Luther King Jr. on justice and love
Quote from Charles Bukowski on truth and living authentically
Quote from Oscar Wilde on individuality and expression
Second Rumi quote on spiritual connection and unity
Third Rumi quote on longing and love's mystery
Inspirational quote encouraging belief in oneself
Tree of Life

Let's Connect

I'd love to hear from you. Whether you're an educator, mentor, student, or parent. Book me to speak, collaborate on a project, or just comment. Drop me a message.