THERAPIST
Kevin Gilliland, Psy.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist and the Executive Director of Innovation360 (i360), an outpatient counseling service that works with people struggling with mental health, substance abuse, and relationship issues. Over the past twenty years, Kevin has mentored countless individuals and couples, participated in research trials, and lectured across the country. He currently teaches in the Counseling Department at Southern Methodist University in Dallas where he instructs graduate students.
AUTHOR
His debut book, Struggle Well Live Well: 60 Ways to Navigate Life’s Good, Bad, and In-Between tackles Kevin’s approach on life – which aligns with his approach and advice for friends, family and his clients! It serves as a roadmap to navigating through life’s inevitable struggles and how to over come the simplest of obstacles, such as work/life balance, to heavier issues, mental illness or addiction.
Dr. Gilliland is the host of the podcast Struggle Well. Live Well. Worry Less. where he talks weekly about how as humans we deal with anxiety, worry, and our approach on what life throws at us. We think too narrow about mental health and treatment, life has some wonderfully therapeutic things. Mental health isn't just one thing. People don't just snap, they bend and break.
CREATOR
SPEAKER
As a leading expert in addiction and mental health as well as a passion for history, religion, and fitness - Dr. Gilliland provides a diverse breadth of knowledge to each media and public event he is asked to speak at. From acting as the emcee at a nonprofit gala to discussing the latest in mental health on the Jenny McCarthy Show, Dr. Gilliland brings an energy and realness to speaking engagements nationwide.
we think too narrow
about what is good for
our mental health.
In depth
Dr. Kevin Gilliland, Psy.D., is an expert in mental health and addiction. After working more than two decades in healthcare focused on business and research development, Kevin created Innovation360 (i360) to address the gaps in the current system by creating a unique customized treatment for each patient. i360 specializes in finding balance of insight and change. Instead of the standard “quick fix” programs, they provide one-on-one support to transition clients from the therapy office and into their homes, back into their daily life. In addition to managing the day-to-day operations of Innovation360, which include staff management, program development, and coordinating client care with outside therapists and physicians, Kevin also works with individuals and couples seeking to improve their family and marriage relationships.
"We think too narrow about mental health and treatment, life has some wonderfully therapeutic things. Mental health isn’t just 1 thing. People don’t just snap, they bend and break. You need your best thinking – rational and emotional, we need a blend."
five pillars
mental health
Our mental health is fragile at times and strong as steel at others. Commit yourself to protecting it at all times. Instead of asking your mental health to do something for you, you need to do everything you can for your mental health. Start with your best thinking. Actively watch and track your thoughts. Learn where you are good and where you struggle. Plan ahead. Be mindful of the appetites - food, alcohol, drugs, sex. They aren’t good or bad. Just don’t ask them to do more than they can or should.
work
Find something meaningful to do. I don’t care if you need the money or not. You need a place to contribute, people that count on you, and something that challenges you. We spend a good majority of our time at work, pursue something that you're good at and love to do. And before you blame your job for unhappiness, make sure it's in fact the job you hate and not your life that's ruining your job. And please, just remember that the only thing worse than a bad job is no job. Trust me, it can get worse.
Physical health
Our body and our mind are connected. That’s a good thing. Taking care of your physical health creates a base for building strong mental health. When you're stuck with wondering how to build strong physical health, start with sleep to give your body power and food to give your body fuel. If you need medicine, take it in the right amounts. Next, move that body of yours. Don’t make it more complicated than it is, just do something. Put away technology and reconnect with what your body was built for - activity.
spirituality
Take a look at history, we are a deeply spiritual group of people. Decide what spirituality looks like to you, how you want it to be present in your life and make it a priority to practice often. Spirituality connects you with a purpose that is bigger than yourself. It gives you a greater appreciation for life and can help provide a balance to everyday stresses.
relationships
At our core, we are built to be in relationships. The most savage of mental health symptoms is isolation and withdrawal. Guard against it. Who we spend the majority of our time with sets the tone for how we value both ourselves and others. Your small circle is filled with those closest to you - those you know best and who know you best. The community you exist in is where you find inspiration and hope. And then there are also the oxygen thieves in your world. These are people you must engage with but that leave you exhausted. Commit the majority of your time with your small circle and community. Greatly limit your time with the oxygen thief. Relationships are our lifeblood, choose wisely.