John Joseph Cardwell
Clinician & Counsellor
Clinician using lived experience to support recovery in mental health and addiction.
“Recovery wasn’t instant. It was built through pain, honesty, and resilience, and the decision to keep going when it was hard.”
John Joseph Cardwell is a New Zealand-based clinician and counsellor specializing in mental health and addiction. His work is grounded in lived experience, having overcome decades of substance use before achieving sobriety in October 2021. That turning point reshaped his life and led him toward a career focused on supporting others through recovery.
Raised in Christchurch in a large, multicultural family, Cardwell was active in representative sports throughout his youth. However, his adult years were marked by addiction, which ultimately resulted in the loss of his identity, relationships, and direction. A public exposure of his behaviour became a defining moment, prompting full accountability and a commitment to change.
He went on to study at Auckland University of Technology, earning a Bachelor of Health Science in Mental Health and Addictions along with postgraduate qualifications. Now a DAPAANZ registered practitioner, Cardwell works with individuals, couples, and groups, delivering evidence-based counselling alongside culturally grounded frameworks such as Te Whare Tapa Whā and the Fonofale Model.
His approach emphasizes holistic, whānau-centred care, particularly within Māori and Pasifika communities. Known for his honesty and strong communication style, Cardwell uses his story to build trust and support lasting change in the lives of others.
Professional Journey Timeline
- Youth: Representative athlete across multiple sports (ages 10–18+)
- Adulthood: Long-term struggle with addiction
- October 2021: Achieved sobriety and entered recovery
- 2021–2023: Completed rehabilitation and transitioned into health sector
- 2023+: Graduated with BHSc in Mental Health & Addictions (AUT)
- Present: Practicing clinician and counsellor, DAPAANZ registered
- Future Goal: Establish private counselling practice in Christchurch / Mid Canterbury
By The Numbers
- 4+ years in continuous recovery (since October 2021)
- Decades of lived experience in addiction and recovery
- Multiple qualifications in mental health and addictions
- 1 mission: Supporting individuals and communities toward lasting change