John McKeown

Managing Director

John McKeown is a highly qualified Clinical Psychotherapist and Addiction Counsellor, who trained at the Guy’s, St Thomas’s and King’s School of Medicine in London. With over 38 years’ experience in the addiction and mental health recovery field, he has helped to develop many inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation clinics across the UK.

John ran a successful private practice in Harley Street, London, providing services to several premier league football clubs, working clinically and delivering education programmes. He was instrumental in setting up the first drug and alcohol rehabilitation project in the British prison system.

In 2007, John co-wrote a self-help autobiographical book with Paul Gascoigne (Being Gazza, my journey to hell and back). John, alongside actress Finty Williams, presents “The Wagon”, a podcast about mental health and addiction. Each episode has a special guest and is a unique story about what struggling with mental health can feel like, what being an addict means, what happens in treatment, and what recovery feels like.

More Articles

  • When summer ends, what does it reveal?

    by

    John McKeown

    on

    As summer ends and everyday routines return, September can reveal changes in our mental health, wellbeing and coping habits that were easier to overlook during…
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  • Is your relationship with alcohol changing?

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    John McKeown

    on

    For some people, concerns about alcohol do not begin with a dramatic event or obvious crisis. They develop gradually, often against the backdrop of an…
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  • A broader approach to treatment and wellbeing

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    John McKeown

    on

    At Ibiza Calm, we have always believed that there is value in creating opportunities for clients to engage with recovery in different ways. Alongside individual…
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  • Finding connection on the water

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    John McKeown

    on

    Taking clients out on the water gives them an opportunity to practise some of those skills in a relaxed and very different environment, while also…
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  • Supporting someone who doesn’t think they need help

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    John McKeown

    on

    Watching someone you care about struggle with their mental health or an addiction can be one of the most difficult experiences a family member or…
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  • Addiction doesn’t always look like addiction

    by

    John McKeown

    on

    The truth is addiction does not discriminate. It can affect people of any age, profession or background. It can affect parents, healthcare professionals, business owners,…
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  • The hidden cost of always being ‘fine’

    by

    John McKeown

    on

    “How are you?” ….. “I’m fine.” Most of us understand that “How are you?” is often more of a greeting than a genuine invitation to…
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  • Trainspotting: The Musical and the launch of the Ibiza Calm Foundation

    by

    John McKeown

    on

    The launch of the Ibiza Calm Foundation marks an exciting new chapter. Through education, collaboration, and community initiatives, the Foundation aims to increase awareness, encourage…
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  • How hot weather affects your mood, sleep, and mental wellbeing

    by

    John McKeown

    on

    If you have noticed that you feel more anxious, more emotionally sensitive, unusually exhausted, or simply not quite yourself during periods of extreme heat, you…
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  • When self-care feels impossible

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    John McKeown

    on

    If looking after yourself continues to feel beyond reach despite your best efforts, it may be a sign that additional support is needed. With appropriate…
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  • Why emotional exhaustion is not always burnout

    by

    John McKeown

    on

    Emotional exhaustion can arise from a wide range of circumstances, including anxiety, depression, caregiving responsibilities, trauma, relationship difficulties, addiction, and prolonged life stress. Although these…
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  • Trainspotting: The Musical in London in support of the Ibiza Calm Foundation

    by

    John McKeown

    on

    On 23 July, Ibiza Calm will be attending a special performance of Trainspotting: The Musical at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in London in support of…
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You’re not alone on this journey.

The path to recovery starts with a small first step.