For this blog I interviewed Blue Marsden founder and director of the College of Contemporary Therapy Group, a business that focuses on training people to become counsellors, psychotherapists, coaches and holistic therapists.
Blue Marsden is an integrative psychotherapist himself with a background in philosophy and neuroscience. This really fascinates me as I want to study psychology as a GCSE.
He is supporting my fundraising journey to attend the World Scout Jamboree, which I really appreciate.
In this interview, I asked Blue some questions and here are his responses:
About Blue Marsden’s College
Tell me about what your college teaches?
We train people to become counsellors, psychotherapists, coaches and holistic therapists. Our courses combine modern psychology with practical tools that help people understand themselves, grow in confidence, and support others in meaningful ways.
What inspired you to start it?
I was fascinated by how people can change their lives when they understand themselves more deeply. I wanted to create a place where that kind of transformation could be taught in a practical, grounded way.
How long have you been running your business?
Over 20 years.
Kyle: That seems like a really long time; you must really love your work.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
Seeing people grow in confidence and step into a new version of themselves. Often students arrive unsure and leave running their own successful practices, it’s great to witness that journey.
How Blue Marsden Got Started with his College Business
Why did you choose business ownership over employment?
I liked the idea of building something meaningful in my own way. It gave me the freedom to create courses and ideas that didn’t fit into a traditional system.
Kyle: I like that, meaningful sounds like a good reason to start a business. Being autistic, I don’t always fit the traditional way of doing things, so having the freedom to design something that is different and works for those who don’t want the traditional way sounds great.
What was the first step in starting your business?
Teaching small groups and sharing what I had learned. It started very simply and grew step by step.
Was starting a business harder or easier than you expected?
Harder at the beginning, easier once momentum builds. Like most things, consistency is the key.
What challenges did you face early on?
Building trust and getting the word out. In the early days, you have to do everything yourself and learn quickly.
What is one important lesson you have learned?
Keep things simple and focus on helping people genuinely, everything else tends to follow.
Blue’s Advice for Young Entrepreneurs
If a young person wanted to start a business, what advice would you give them?
Start small, stay curious, and don’t wait until everything is perfect. Action teaches you more
than planning.
What skills are most important for running a business?
Communication, consistency, and the ability to keep going when things don’t work straight
away.
Is there something you wish you knew before starting?
That progress often comes from small daily steps rather than big breakthroughs.
If I was to ask you had to explain your job to a 10-year-old, what would you say?
I help people understand themselves better so they can feel happier and help others feel
happier too.
Kyle: Thank you for making it feel ok to do something smaller to begin with. I think we sometimes think we have to do something really big straight away so it is good to know that something small and meaningful can become something big like your college over time.
I asked Blue Marsden some fun questions to get to know him better…
What if your business was turned into a video game — what would the main objective
be?
Level up your character by gaining skills, confidence, and wisdom… and then help other
characters level up too.
Kyle: I would play that game.
Kyle: I had a little play with AI – this is how I imagine Blue Marsden in one of my video games.
What if you could have any superpower — what would it be?
Bilocation – the ability to be many places at once.
Kyle: that’s a really cool superpower!
What if you could work anywhere in the world — where would you choose?
A mix between Hastings, Spain, the mountains and Japan. I am three-quarters there.
Kyle: I love Japan!
Favourite snack (and/or drink) while working?
I try not to eat much while working as I concentrate better when not full but I must admit
coffee is my favourite snack!
Music, silence, or background noise when working?
Mostly silence when working and music when taking exercise snacks!
Why Blue Marsden is supporting KH World/Jamboree
I think opportunities like this are incredibly valuable when you’re young. They build
confidence, independence, and perspective. It felt like a great thing to support and I’m glad to be part of helping you get there. Also I know your Mum, Anita D Marshall, as she is one of the graduates from the college and also is one of colleges Soul Plan Teachers. She has told me all about it!
Do you have a favourite blog, YouTube or an offer you’d like to share with my audience?
Thanks Kyle, this is a music video I made to help with mental health. It is designed to help people feel calmer when they have been experiencing anxiety. It has a reset effect: https://youtu.be/0tTQRfb1kyo
(Kyle: My Autistic brain really felt the calming effect from this, I really recommend you listen to it too!)
Other ways to connect with Blue Marsden and his College
Website:
https://www.spiritualpsychotherapy.com
Social media:
https://www.facebook.com/holistichealingcollege
Other links:
https://www.soulplan.co.uk (for information about soul plan)
Final Thoughts
I really appreciate Blue Marsden for the College of Contemporary Therapy supporting my journey. It’s interesting learning how different businesses work and how people become entrepreneurs.
Something Interesting I Learned From This InterviewI
My big take away from this for me is that having your own business means you have the freedom to create something different that fits you and the way you work. I think this is really important.
I am really inspired by Blue and how he wants to make a difference and to help people. I loved the music he created.
I also found out he is a published Hay House Author which is amazing – I looked at his book, Soul Plan – Your True Life Purpose, as my Mum has a signed copy from him on her bookshelf.
I hope this interview helps readers learn more about starting and running a business.
More business interviews are coming soon on KH World, the place where I talk to entrepreneurs and learn how businesses really work. If you would like to be one of them then contact me here.
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