About the Guided Autobiography Method
The curriculum taught in a “Through Your Eyes” course is based on the Guided Autobiography (GAB) method of documenting life stories as researched and developed by Dr. James Birren. Dr. Birren was the founder and Dean of the School of Gerontology at the University of Southern California. He, along with numerous colleagues, has taught this curriculum for over 40 years to students initially at USC, but currently worldwide. Participants in a workshop are guided by a trained instructor who takes them through a series of activities, sharing moments, and a sequence of memory stimulating questions. Using these class experiences, participants during the week then write several pages of story on the theme explored during class. When each participant returns to class a week later, individuals share their stories with the group in a trusted and safe environment. The group experience is very important for stimulating people’s memories. The indirect benefits of sharing life stories in a group include increasing your self-knowledge through telling your story, as well as listening to the stories of others. GAB can be a powerful catalyst for improved self-esteem, self-confidence and communication within communities and within families
A typical course runs for 8 weeks, meeting once a week for roughly 2 hours. During the first hour of exploration and activities a writing skill is also reviewed to help participants enhance their writing with added clarity and focus. Each week a new life theme is presented and considered. The variety of themes offered allows individuals to dig deeper into their life ventures for examination and reflection. After completing this course, the gained outcomes would be:
- Written stories from the heart
- 14 pages or more of your life story
- Written legacy for your family
- Reconnects the generations
- Increased energy and vigor
- Helps you review where you’ve been…where you are…and where you want to be!
- Personal attitudes, motivation, and values are positively influenced
- Creates pathway for self-understanding
- Friendships blossom
- Activates the mind/brain
- Encourages volunteerism
- Improves writing skills
The following is a link to a short autobiography by Dr. James E. Birren, “How Do I Think I Got Here?”