Mature Psychology graduate overcomes career setback to launch counselling business
Date: Thursday, August 21, 2025
A Psychology graduate who was made redundant turned a career setback into a life-changing redirect by deciding to study at university and go onto set up his own counselling business.
Nigel Skinner, 59, who graduated from Wrexham University after studying for his degree in Psychology, is encouraging others to consider studying later in life.
Nigel, who spent three decades as a Service Delivery Manager mentoring and bringing together engineers and project managers to successfully complete transformation programmes, was made redundant back in 2018 – and was left pondering his next steps.
After unsuccessfully applying for new jobs and questioning what the future had in store for him, his wife Julie encouraged him to think about studying for a degree.
Nigel said: “Initially, when my wife suggested university, I completely shrugged it off and didn’t think it was for me. When I was younger, it was never on the cards for me as I left school with very average grades and on leaving full-time education, I went straight into the world of work.
“I had this pre-conceived idea that I wouldn’t enjoy it and that I’d find it challenging, and yes, it was challenging but actually, university was an incredible experience for me, as it provided me with so much growth and opportunities.
“I also think that being a mature student meant that I truly got the best out of my studies, particularly in my subject area. Speaking personally, I found having that life experience to be beneficial.”
Nigel said he decided to study Psychology, as it was the mentorship and support aspect of his previous roles that he enjoyed the most.
He said: “It was through my previous work that I took a real interest in understanding human behaviour and that’s what led me to Psychology and during the final year of my undergraduate degree, I selected counselling as one of my optional modules.
“I enjoyed it and learnt a great deal and realised just how much of a positive impact you could make on someone’s life through counselling.”
After graduating from Wrexham University, Nigel studied for a Masters degree in Counselling at Bangor University – and on completion of that and following on from a couple of years of building up his experience through volunteering in counselling roles, he decided to set up his own business.
Nigel launched enestee back in July of last year, which provides person-centred mental health support, serving the areas of North Wales, Cheshire and Wirral.
He added: “It’s been fantastic to be in a position where I am able to work for myself but also the fact that my job involves me helping people to build resilience and lead a more balanced, happy and fulfilling life. It’s the most rewarding work I’ve ever done and I feel so glad that I overcame my initial doubts about going to university.
“I would encourage anyone looking to change their path later in life to consider university. The support I received throughout my studies was immense, plus having the opportunity to learn and develop myself.”
Dr Natalie Roch, Principal Lecturer in Psychology, added: “Nigel’s journey is a brilliant example of the ethos and values of Wrexham University. We pride ourselves on being a widening participation university, and this is reflected in Wrexham continuing to be ranked as top in England and Wales for social inclusion.
“Nigel made the decision to study Psychology with us following redundancy and took the opportunity to carve out a new career for himself. Our Psychology degree – accredited by the British Psychological Society – that Nigel graduated with, opened further training opportunities and gave him the foundation to build his counselling skills on.
“The Psychology team are very proud of Nigel and all that he has achieved since graduating from Wrexham University.”
