GAB as the Cornerstone
Guided Autobiography (GAB) is a structured approach that involves delving into one's life story with the guidance of a trained facilitator. It offers individuals an opportunity to deeply reflect on and chronicle significant life experiences, enabling them to gain valuable insight, perspective, and a richer understanding of their personal journey.
Each session revolves around a specific life theme such as branching points in life, family, money, career paths, health, gender identity, perspectives on death, spirituality, and goals and aspirations. Within these themes, participants engage with a series of thought-provoking questions tailored to elicit memories and encourage the writing of approximately two pages of their life story.
These prompts and themes serve as a scaffold, aiding individuals in organizing their memories and narratives in a coherent manner. The facilitator in GAB assumes a pivotal role, guiding participants through the process, nurturing introspection, and creating a safe, supportive space for sharing personal stories. The sessions occur in small group settings, fostering a sense of camaraderie and collective experience among the participants.
The primary goal of Guided Autobiography goes beyond mere documentation of personal histories. It seeks to stimulate self-discovery, fortify resilience, and cultivate personal growth by delving into and comprehending one's life narrative in a deeper and more meaningful way. Research conducted with pre-posttest assessments of Guided Autobiography (GAB) demonstrates that participants show improvements in self-acceptance, reduced anxiety, increased energy, a more positive outlook, and enhanced connections with others.
GAB Online Instructor Training
Online GAB Instructor Training offers in-depth training for those who want to earn extra income by teaching Guided Autobiography courses. The 8-week distance-learning format through the Internet makes live instructor training available to individuals all over the world.
Based on the writing, sharing and feedback process as outlined in the original Guided Autobiography course as developed by James Birren, we have created additional courses that address different audiences and needs.
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Life Portfolio
Life Portfolio is a course directed toward individuals of all ages who are in transition and seeking to explore alternative plans for their future endeavors. Using the metaphor of the financial portfolio, the course is designed to explore how participants have invested their lives in the past, where they are today and their goals for the future.
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Shaking the Family Tree
Shaking the Family Tree instructs and assists participants in locating, recalling, and organizing the histories of their families.
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Find Your Students, Fill Your Classes
Find Your Students, Fill Your Classes is a six-part online workshop for GAB instructors who want to gain more confidence in marketing Guided Autobiography workshops.