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 feelings fester: The mental health impact of bottling emotions

    by

    John McKeown

    on

    In today’s fast-paced world, emotional expression is often sidelined in favour of productivity, appearances, or perceived strength. Many people are conditioned from a young age…
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  • Substance abuse in veterans: The hidden wounds of war

    by

    John McKeown

    on

    Armed Forces Day in the United Kingdom, observed this year on Saturday, 28th June 2025, is a national event to honour and commemorate the dedication,…
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  • Love vs likes: Social media addiction’s impact on young relationships

    by

    John McKeown

    on

    In today’s world, where social media is instantly accessible and deeply embedded in daily life, concerns are growing around its potential impact on the social…
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  • Understanding chemsex: The dangerous intersection of sex and substance use

    by

    John McKeown

    on

    In recent years, chemsex has found attention in mainstream discourse. Chemsex refers to the use of certain psychoactive substances to enhance or prolong a sexual…
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  • The power of community in mental health recovery

    by

    John McKeown

    on

    May is recognised internationally as Mental Health Awareness Month, with various events, campaigns, and initiatives taking place worldwide. In the UK, Mental Health Awareness Week…
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  • Treatment options for stimulant addiction: what works and why

    by

    John McKeown

    on

    Stimulant addiction is a growing public health concern, with substances such as cocaine and amphetamines contributing significantly to physical, psychological, and social harm. Despite differing…
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  • Prescription stimulants: The fine line between ADHD treatment and misuse

    by

    John McKeown

    on

    The diagnosis (and treatment) of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has significantly increased in recent years, especially among adults. With this surge has come a…
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  • The power of TMS and iTBS in treating depression and addiction

    by

    John McKeown

    on

    What is TMS? Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive, drug-free brain stimulation therapy that uses magnetic fields to activate specific areas of the brain….
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  • April is Stress Awareness Month: Understanding, managing, and treating Stress

    by

    John McKeown

    on

    Since 1992, April has been recognised as Stress Awareness Month – an annual initiative that aims to increase public understanding of stress, its impact on…
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  • The 12 Steps: A guide to addiction recovery

    by

    John McKeown

    on

    Addiction is a multifaceted and deeply personal struggle, affecting millions worldwide. Recovery, however, is possible, and for many, the 12-Step programme has been a lifeline….
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  • Understanding and managing bipolar disorder

    by

    John McKeown

    on

    Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterised by extreme mood swings, ranging from manic highs…
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  • Recognising the signs and seeking support for Burnout

    by

    John McKeown

    on

    Burnout was once considered the plight of high-powered executives and celebrities, but in today’s world, it affects individuals across all walks of life. Whilst the…
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You’re not alone on this journey.

The path to recovery starts with a small first step.