The Rhythm Therapy Computer System: A Foundation

Abstract

This paper describes a possible foundation for a computer system to generate imagery interactively as an integral part of psychotherapy and meditational procedures. Imagery has both visual and aural-musical connotations. The real-time system will be called the Rhythm Therapy Computer System, or RTCS. The foundation coordinates aspects of computer system specification, philosophy, symbolic anthropology, and expressive arts therapy. The paper (1) establishes the importance of rhythmic artflow for deep trans- formation by reviewing analogous ancient uses of visual and musical rhythm; (2) examines expressive arts therapy as a contemporary vehicle in this regard, suggesting that the expressive therapist is a modern-day shaman in facilitating transformation via imagery; (3) describes shamanism involving visionary emer- gent worlds; (4) unifies these views by drawing explicit comparisons of therapist and shaman; (5) suggests need of a conceptual model of emergent worlds; (6) for this, tentatively combines two complementary philosophies--exis- tential phenomenology derivative from Heideg- ger, and the East Indian matrika shakti system; and (7) focuses on phenomenology and its associated psychotherapies. The paper then moves toward the RTCS by (8) offering a tax- onomy of emergent elements (symbolism); (9) identifying general computer-oriented opera- tions applicable to all taxonomy elements; (10) suggesting RTCS system functions based on a world matrix concept; and (11) outlining major RTCS procedures such as bonding with patient, exploring foundat ions ,'I and building realities. RTCS uses include micro- computer-based systems for composing personal mythos and providing imagery in biofeedback procedures. RTCS concepts may also be inter- preted as a metaphor for ceremonial enactment thus being interpreted in a performance context.

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