The Power of Connection: Reflections on Our 2025 Creativity and Madness Conference
The 2025 Creativity and Madness conference was a poignant reminder of the healing power of being together, whether in person or online. We live in a time where connection and healing transcend time and space. This year’s conference brought together a passionate community of clinicians, healers, and wellness seekers from across the globe; people who understand that mental health and creative expression are deeply intertwined. Over four inspiring days, we gathered to celebrate the complexity of the human creative experience and earn accredited CE/CME.
From Dr. Samuel Markind’s opening presentation on paradox and creativity in the brain, to Jordan Price’s closing presentation on Leonard Cohen’s artistry, resilience in the face of depression, and moving performance of Hallelujah, our presenters offered more than accredited CE/CME—they delivered soul-stirring, transformative, life-enriching experiences. This year’s program featured thought leaders from diverse disciplines, offering presentations and workshops on:
The Paradoxically Creative Brain: 2 Case Studies – Dr. Samuel Markind
The Hidden Links Between Mental and Physical Health and the Environment – Dr. Stephenie Riley & Dr. Amy Vail
Healing Through the Imaginal Realm – Erica Lorentz, MEd, LPC, Diplomate Jungian Analyst (IAAP)
The Healing Power of Sound: Transforming Our Inner Landscape Through the Art and Science of Mantra – Dr. Sudha Kailas
Encoding Trauma: How Memory Manifests Across Neural and Somatic Systems – Dr. Mitchell Liester & Ana Flores
Resilience and the Aging Productive Mind: Unlocking Human Potential in the Second Half of Life – Deborah Levinson, LCSW
The Art of Knowing: Sensing, Relating and Co-Creating – Christine Donohue, MFT, SEP
Mental Health Re-Envisioned Through Indigenous Eyes – Dr. Lewis Mehl-Madrona & Barbara Mainguy, MA
Forgiveness and Resilience in Challenging Times – Megan Feldman Bettencourt, MA & Dr. Gail Carr Feldman
Distressed Couples on Film, Stage and in Therapy – Dr. Ron Goldman, Jill Fischer, LICSW & Amy Goldfarb, LCSW
Music and the Mind of Leonard Bernstein – Dr. Richard Kogan
William Blake: Visionary Poet and Artist and the Psychology of Consciousness – Dr. Ralph Margolies-Kiernan
Imagining Innovation: Five Forces That Drive Creativity – Dr. Vineeth John
Grief and the Paranormal: How Extra-Sensory Occurrences and Spiritually Transformative Experiences Can Help Heal the Bereaved – Dr. Janet Lynn Roseman-Halsband
Leonard Cohen: Creation in Spite of Depression – Jordan Price, LCSW
Optional workshops expanded on these themes, including:
Life’s Final Choices: Moral and Ethical Considerations for Individuals, Families and Healthcare Professionals – Joyce Lilly, RN, JD
The Architecture of Equanimity – Dr. Michael Uebel
The Psychology of Self Portraits – Amy Stein, MFA
A Practical Guide to Improving Metabolic & Mental Health – Dr. Stephenie Riley & Dr. Amy Vail
Resilience and the Aging Productive Mind: Redefining Purpose in the Second Half of Life – Deborah Levinson, LCSW
Unraveling Cellular Memory – Dr. Mitchell Liester & Ana Flores
These presentations, workshops, and performances illuminated the transformative power of the creative process while offering attendees an experience shaped by the healing power of the arts. They reminded us that continuing education can be soul-stirring, inspiring, and relevant to both clinical care and the human experience.
At AIMED, our mission is to redefine continuing education by weaving together psychology and the arts, with a holistic approach to wellness.
We believe that creativity is not a luxury, but a powerful clinical tool—a therapeutic force that offers a path to well-being. Our conferences offer more than accredited CE/CME. We offer attendees the opportunity to connect with like-minded peers, envision a holistic future for healthcare, and encourage people to reconnect with their inner spark. Whether you joined us in Santa Fe or tuned in from afar, we hope you felt the spark, and we hope you’ll carry that spark forward and share the transformative power of the light.
Planning these conferences keeps us current with evolving trends and reminds us that healing is an ongoing and collective process.
“Thank you for a wonderful conference! I came in the past and was so happy to be able to return again. I have to share how much I missed Barry Panter’s booming voice and introduction, and appreciated what a wonderful job his daughter, Dr Amy Vail, did continuing the legacy. He must be very proud! This conference always feels like a family reunion of sorts, with the type of family we all wish we could have. Thank you for providing a soul-enriching experience, which I believe so many of us are starving for.”
Here’s how attending Creativity and Madness conferences can enhance your professional vitality and improve your mental wellness.
Revitalized Passion: Immerse yourself in cutting-edge ideas and innovative research, and remember why you embarked on this healing path. Rekindle the fire that inspires your career and fuels your soul.
Supportive Connections: Establish and strengthen relationships with like-minded professionals to create networks for encouragement and shared understanding. Intentional, curated connections are vital for navigating the challenges of clinical care and therapeutic work. Creativity and Madness conferences provide fertile ground for cultivating these types of relationships.
Expanded Skillsets: Diverse presentations and Hands-on workshops offer fresh perspectives and practical techniques that can be integrated directly into clinical practice, enhancing client outcomes and your own confidence.
Emotional Resilience: Sharing laughter, moments of empathy, and navigating unexpected glitches reinforces the importance of flexibility, humor, gratitude, and community. These are all essential ingredients for sustaining emotional well-being while engaged with demanding careers.
“The Creativity & Madness Conference is a feast of imagination, possibility, the intellect and the heart. The presenters are extraordinary.”
Reflecting on this year's conference, we are grateful for the incredible presenters and workshop leaders, dedicated attendees, and for the countless moments of connection and growth we experienced together.
We look forward to continuing this journey together and to what the future holds for our community. The Creativity and Madness team is dedicated to providing life-affirming and engaging content for our attendees, as well as meaningful opportunities to connect, evolve, and grow together.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of the 2025 Creativity and Madness Conference. Your participation, dedication, and enthusiasm made this event truly memorable. We look forward to your continued support and to seeing you at our next conference!
For the complete photo gallery, please click here.
All photos were taken by Casey Addason.
by Dr. Amy Vail and Alli Fischenich