Testimonials

"This conference has reenergized my focus on abundant optimism in my practice. The conference is a safe gathering where professionals can laugh and cry about the walk of life and health care. The exploration of the struggles that the creative and the courage for resilience of us all is important."

— Anne Newhouse

"The diversity of topics and presentations broaden knowledge and understanding in so many ways that what gets shared in my professional life will likely be as diversely shared as has been this extraordinary conference."

— Barbara Chapman

"As always the most important impact of this conference is how it inspires me to delve more deeply, be more curious, and take more risks with my own creative projects!"

— Claire Von Karls

“Impressively awesome presentation. Important information. Dr. Lewis is a wonderful teller of stories. I appreciate the successful technique with the 16-year-old who attempted suicide. They provide a duo presentation in a natural manner. Please have them return next year.”

— Veronica M. Vincent

“Really enjoyed Lewis’s personal approach and storytelling. Learned the meaning of alexithymia and how metaphors contribute to a healing narrative.”

— Duke Wagner

“Ron Goldman’s storied presentation today stimulated rich memories I have of my clients, stirring aspects of a professional identity that became me. Thank you for sharing the stories of the Holocaust victims at this crucial time in our democracy.”

— Sandra Ryden

“The conference continues to uphold the highest standards of psychological endeavor through this year’s presenters. Although I attended virtually, my experience was positive and so enjoyable. Thank you, Amy, and the whole C&M team, for your dedication to bringing such valuable information in an entertaining, educational, and heartfelt way. I always leave inspired and renewed by my participation. I missed you all—until next time.”

— Dr. Kathline Colvin, Psychologist

“I’ve heard many of us speak of our trip as transformative- it certainly has for me. I returned with a fierce resolve to make some changes in my life. Not quite sure what that will exactly look like, but it is quite cool to embrace the mystery.”

— Dave G.

"Sam Markind is a “gem”. If you can persuade him to do more, that would be great!! Mehta and Kirk are also good."

— Jeanne Meisler

"I felt enriched by the relevant variety of content and the particularly effective presentation of especially some of the speakers."

— Jo Anne Fox Avnet

"It was personally enhancing and the sense of intellectual stimulation and broadened horizons will impact my life and practice."

— Ronald Levin

"Each time I attend Creativity and Madness Conferences, I come away feeling both professionally and humanly renewed. Know how deeply appreciative I am of all your efforts in creating these marvelous gatherings for us."

— Susan Rosewell-Jackson, Ph.D

“I really learned a lot from the presentation on resilience by Dr. Gail and her daughter. The Saturday morning session was excellent—well moderated, with strong slides and real case studies featuring practical techniques.”

— Dr. Georgianna Sorensen, Physician

“I gained a lot of useful information that enhanced my personal, emotional, and physical well-being. I especially found Dr. Riley and Dr. Vail’s presentation on metabolic exposure and chronic inflammation to be very enlightening, particularly their discussion of metabolic markers and supplement suggestions. I also enjoyed the presentation on how trauma impacts the physical body.”

— Ann Mancuso, Certified Counselor

“I know of no other group/institute that shines the light of perception, gratitude and love in the universe the way AIMED does. It certainly changed my life in a way that was profound and centered…..and the truths I first saw in Van Gogh, Munch, Chagall (Barry, Joe Natterson et al) and others there have been steady and a “fall back” position for my PTSD through four wars we probably shouldn’t have been in..So great to share the journey with you guys!"

— Ronald E Smith, MD, Ph.D.

“Coming to the Conferences I have been touched by so many in the healing professions or artistic community who are wholeheartedly committed to the well-being of others and to the use of their gifts in the service of that well-being. I know that this has made me a better Counselor, better Spiritual Guide and better person. There is no way that what I pay to come to the Conference can cover what I have received. My offering to you and to the presenters who have given me so much is to aspire to their excellence and to the love they embody.”

— Gail Meyer

“Creativity and Madness opened new ways for us to be create our own Art. The conferences taught us a way to look at the Souls and Psychology of people who must create, sometimes at great personal cost."

— Elizabeth & Clem Nagel, Ph.D. and MD

“Great conference! This is my 5th, and each one is better than the last (and the previous ones were all wonderful, too)! A unique blend of studies in artists, mental illness, and using creativity to bring about health and healing.”

— David Bookbinder, Author, "The Art Of Balance"

“I have attended many Creativity & Madness Conferences over the years. I get from them something that I can’t get anyplace else.”

— David Hill, Ph.D.

"Dr. Kailas is a skilled presenter. She was passionate, clear, and organized. She did a great job synthesizing a vast and rich system for an hour and a half presentation. She shared a lot of information, but I wasn't overwhelmed. Her clarity of speech, pace, and delivery were just right. She seems to have a delightful personality and a lot of aplomb and patience while the system glitches were being worked out."

— Maria E. Mattioli, MS, MFT

“This is the most nourishing conference I have ever attended.”

— Ruth Feldman

“I would love for Dr. Kailas to offer one or more sessions on using mantras as self-care for practitioners.”

— Dr. Nina Albanese-Kotar, Psychologist

“How very much we enjoyed our time with you in Italy! You went above and beyond in every aspect of the trip. Your work behind the scenes smoothed the way for us in every possible way. Your attention to detail made it the trip of a lifetime, and gave us more than we could possibly have hoped for or imagined. I can’t thank you enough for your selfless devotion and efforts on our behalf, to provide us with the best experience possible. It was a gift for our minds, bodies, and souls. With great admiration and gratitude.”

— Nancy & Vincent Zinke

“I'm so grateful to be able to come back...being in Santa Fe and attending the conference refreshes every cell in my being!”

— Kate Marshall

“I found several presenters outstanding — Dr. Kogan, the opening neurologist, and Deborah Levinson especially stood out.”

— Jeffrey Engel, Social Worker

“This was my first time attending the Creativity and Madness conference and I must say it was such a refreshing experience! It provided both research and facts on a plethora of subjects, but more importantly it was a deep EXPERIENCE for me. Like a pebble in a pond, the ripple affects will reverberate out - my own deep experience will expand into my work with clients and the art that I create. I also love the legacy behind the Creativity and Madness conference - designed by a man who thought outside the box decades ago, to today seeing his children and grandchildren continuing this legacy. Thank you for offering this beautifully deep training that at times touched my soul. You are making a difference in this world.”

— Patti Smith

“Dr. Riley’s presentation and downloadable slides have proved to be both helpful to and welcomed by many of my patients (just one example!).”

— Pamela Martell, Physician

"The organizers created an inviting and congenial atmosphere. I especially enjoyed Sam Markind and the presentation on cellular memory. Somewhere, a little too narrowly focused to provide as much application to my clients."

— Robert Schwartz, Psychologist

“Thank you so much for creating such a beautiful, inspiring, intellectually compelling, and heartfelt conference. As a first-time participant and presenter, I’m blown away by what a fantastic four days you all created!”

— Christine Donohue

“I continue to be fascinated by Dr. Liester’s presentations on the usefulness of low-dose ketamine in treating a variety of medical and cognitively impairing disorders. Many of my aging patients will likely benefit as I apply these insights to help slow memory loss in those with new or established dementia diagnoses.”

— Dr. Pamela Martell, Physician

“Aside from my enjoyment and benefit professionally, it was likely the most enriching conference I have ever attended. I was simply captivated.”

— Sally Peterson

“The conference was so incredible, great speakers, super organized, and a delight!!!! I am sooo grateful that I was able to be there!!”

- Nancy Olsen

“Great conference, really appreciate all the effort that went into it!”

— Marie Krebs

“Thank you, Dr. Goldman, for your deep honesty and sharing of truth. You are not only talented but profoundly courageous and inspiring.”

— Terri Langford

“I’ve now attended three C&M workshops where Barbara and Lewis have spoken, and they always bring new research and fresh stories. What a dynamic partnership!”

— Carlyne Goodwin-Hanson, LMFT

“Dr. Vineeth presented an excellent example of creative problem-solving strategies, which carry us beyond traditional academics. These included chance, curiosity, collaboration, crisis, and convergence.”

— Jerome

“Joyce was clearly one with her topic. Her energy and enthusiasm, knowledge and love of the topic, and empathy were quite apparent. Thanks, this was great!”

— Susan Niman

“The Body Within the Mind was a beautiful presentation. I’m so glad I’ll be seeing Dr. Kailas again tomorrow for her workshop with Drs. Goff and Riley.”

— Robin Eisen

“Dr. Goldman is a spellbinding storyteller — a wonderful example of healing through telling your story and through hearing and engaging with another’s story. Thank you from my heart!”