Slow down. Take a breath. Engage with your story.
With curiosity and calm, explore your life stories one theme at a time.
What's your story? Tell it!
Leave a Legacy
for family and friends
Build connection, empathy and understanding with others
Heal the past, find hope for the future.
Guided Autobiography Workshop:
In-person workshop (Superior, WI area): Thursdays, 2-4 pm, January 9-February 13, 2025 (workshop is full)
Guided Autobiography had it's origins back in the 1970s at the University of Southern California (USC) by Dr. James Birren, founding scholar in the field of gerontology. The idea began as an assignment he gave in his class that later was developed into the program we know today as Guided Autobiography (GAB). In a small group setting, the participants are encouraged to write a 2-page story or essay each week based on a given life theme, come back to the group to read their story, receiving supportive feedback from the other participants. Self-discovery, resilience, and personal growth are some of the results of GAB. More information can be found at The Birren Center for Autobiographical Studies
Patty Silvernale
"What? You want to hear my story?" I was surprised; I felt affirmed when a professional asked about my story. As an office manager for many years, I was the one who listened to people who entered the office with their concerns and their stories. I was that listening ear for others and they left the office feeling heard and satisfied. When I heard about Guided Autobiography (GAB) from a friend and what it had meant to her, I wanted to try it. I became a trained facilitator of GAB through the Birren Center for Autobiographical Studies in California in the spring of 2022. GAB has given me an avenue to engage with parts of my life story to help in my healing process from dis-ease. Layer by layer as I explore the stories and share them with a trusted other, restoration takes place. My desire through GAB is to provide a safe space for people to explore and reflect on their life stories and experiences, and see where the journey takes them.
Photo by: Tom Boustead
Frequently asked questions
Is writing experience or expertise required?
No. This is not a writing class. No previous writing experience is required. No one will care about your grammar or spelling.
What do I write about?
Each week, a new theme will be introduced with prompting questions to help stir the memories, ideas and experiences. What experiences come to mind? From there you will decide what to write and what to share with the group.
Why share my story with others in class?
This exchange of stories within the safe, non-judgmental, confidential environment of the class helps put each person's stories into a broader context, leading to new perspectives and insights into one's own life and the lives of others.
