WHAT IS GUIded autobiography?
Guided Autobiography (GAB) is a researched technique developed by Dr. James Birren to help people write their life stories. Anyone can be participate in GAB and you don’t need prior writing experience. I give participants exercises to spark memories and then provide them themes to write on. You are assigned to write a 2-page story on the theme, and then bring it to read to your small group. Each person is given time to provide supportive feedback to each writer.
“Writing and sharing life stories with others is an ideal way to find new meaning in life and to put life events into perspective. While connecting with one another on their journeys of self-discovery, participants feel enlivened by the group experience and gain a greater appreciation of their own lives and of the lives of others. GAB can be a powerful catalyst for improved self-esteem, self-confidence and communication within communities and within families.”
WHAT ARE THE benefits?
Increased self-acceptance
Decreased anxiety and tension
Increased energy and vigor
Increased positive view of others
A feeling of connectedness and friendship
History
Dr. James Birren created GAB in the mid- 1970s while he was the founding dean of the Davis School of Gerontology at the University of Southern California (USC). GAB benefits have been well-researched overtime.