Guided Autobiography
The story of my life.



Interesting facts
Guided Autobiography (GAB) means “Angeleitetes Autobiografisches Schreiben“. This method was developed in the 1970s at the University of Southern California by Dr. James Birren.
Dr. Birren (1918-2016) was a pioneer of gerontology within the United States. He was the president of the Gerontological Society of America and the founder of the Birren Center for Autobiographical Studies in Laguna Woods, California. With more than 250 publications, he was one of the leading gerontologists of the last decades.
The method, on which GAB is based, is like a “guided journey into the past” and helps people to put their life story down on paper.
Certain life themes are discussed in small groups with a maximum of 8 participants and guided by a certified instructor. Important experiences of life will be written down and shared within the familiar fellowship.
Positive effects of GAB, which are proved in many studies, are among other things:
- Increased self-acceptance
- Decreased anxiety and tension
- Increased energy and vigor
- Increased positive view of others
- A feeling of connectedness and friendship
In the United States, Guided Autobiography is already widespread and a firm offer of many social services, training centers, rest homes and study paths for elderly.
Process
The entire course takes 10 weeks. In that period of time the participants (max. 8 per group) meet once a week for about 2 to 3 hours in person or online.
Each week has another guiding idea.
The first hour of each session a specific theme will be presented and discussed. Light and easy exercises stimulate memory and creativity. This allows each participant to write down personal experiences associated to that theme, during the week. At home, unhurriedly and without any pressure.
During the second hour of the weekly session all participants read their stories loud. Sharing the own experiences with a small, familiar community give the reader validation and appreciation. The listeners are reminded of their own, personal experiences as well as long-forgotten details.
At the end of the course, each person has a summary of important, personal life events and a wonderful keepsake.
Writing skills or writing experience is not necessary at all.
Dates
GAB courses are offered in Stuttgart West and Stuttgart Botnang. The next course starts November 2022. Exact dates and locations you will find here shortly.
Registration any time:
By phone 0711-620 96 902
By e-mail kurse@seelengesell.de
Directly via the contact page
We are happy to hold our courses directly in your rest home, educational institution, residential complex or privately for you and your friends.
Please contact us and we will arrange a suitable course.
Further courses are in progress and will be published as soon as possible.
All courses are also available in German.
“Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take but by the moments that take your breath away.” – Maya Angelou, US American writer


