Question 1

What are the sessions like?

Accepted Answer

Great question!

Each week, members of the group, under the guidance of an experienced leader, will explore a different life theme that has been influential in shaping their lives. Participants write two pages on each theme at home and bring their writing to share in a small group with others also sharing their stories.

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"We start by asking participants to write down the history of branching points in their lives," said James E. Birren, PhD. 
Then in subsequent sessions, participants explore topics such as family, the role of money in one's life, one's major life work or career, health and body, and other topics that interweave to form the tapestry of a life.

Dr. Birren developed this guided autobiography technique to help would-be autobiographers find structure and meaning in the multitude of seemingly random events that compose a life.

Guided Autobiography is useful to people interested in beginning an autobiography or memoir, more fully understanding the meaning of their life, or finding knowledge in the past to help them live their present and future lives in more meaningful ways. It is particularly helpful to people facing any major life transition, such as divorce, retirement, career change, parenthood, a move, or health problems.

Question 2

How long do classes typically last?

Accepted Answer

Materials from an entire Guided Autobiography can be adapted for shorter workshop sessions ranging from an hour and a half to a longer two- or three-day weekend retreat. Such requests arise from many sources including community organizations, religious groups, and professional organizations whose members serve older adults or other specific groups. Participants in the workshops may be interested in autobiography for themselves or for the members of the constituencies they serve.

Traditional Guided Autobiography classes range from eight to 10 weeks, with each class ranging from two to two and a half hours.

Online sessions can follow the same model. Through GAB Seattle they are currently offered as a 5-week course that meets every other week.

Question 3

Do I need writing experience?

Accepted Answer

Past writing experience is not required to participate in Guided Autobiography classes.

Some writing tips are shared during class but Guided Autobiography classes are not intended as writing instruction or writing improvement classes.

People who think they can't write are surprised at how well they do because they are writing about material that means so much to them.

Question 4

Can a friend who doesn't live in Washington state participate?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely!

GAB Seattle Online classes are available to participants world-wide. Session times are set to accommodate varying time zones. Choose from morning or afternoon session times.

If you are interested in creating another group at a different time listed or would like to be contacted when new classes are announced please contact us through the form below.

Question 5

What materials will I need for class?

Accepted Answer

Class material lists will be sent out to all participants one week prior to the session start.

Participants may also choose to purchase class materials from GAB Seattle directly, which will be delivered on the first day of class.

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Online participants may also purchase class materials, which will then be mailed to the address provided.

Question 6

What if I don't want to read my story?

Accepted Answer

Participants in Guided Autobiography always have the option not to share their story in class if they choose.

All participants must sign a confidentiality form as part of the class process and creating a space of trust is vital to the GAB methodology.

If a participant feels a story is too personal or doesn't want to share it during class it is not required. Alternatively, participants may also omit a portion of their story and choose which sections to share with the class.

Question 7

What about confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

We take confidentiality very seriously and it is an integral part of establishing trust among class participants.

At the beginning of each course  participants are asked to sign a confidentiality agreement and not share about participant stories outside of class, or as we like to say, "What happens at GAB stays at GAB."

Question 8

Do I have to pay online with a credit card?

Accepted Answer

Online payments and credit card payments are not absolutely required.

If you would prefer to pay by check, please make it payable to GAB Seattle and mail it to:
GAB Seattle
P.O. Box 53052
Bellevue, WA 98015

Please email or call us to let us know you would like to register and pay by check. We are happy to hold your spot for seven days until payment is received. After that time your spot will be released until payment is received. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Question 9

I am visually impaired. Can I still participate?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Participants who are fully or partially visually or hearing impaired are welcome to join.

Class materials can be provided in a variety of ways, included printed Braille pages upon request.

When bringing your story to class, you can either read it yourself or opt to have someone else read it for you.

Please contact us for further information.

GAB Seattle

Frequently Asked Questions

Become a Guided Autobiography Instructor

Become a certified Guided Autobiography Instructor through the Birren Center for Autobiographical Studies, a 501(c)(3) organization.
Certification courses ongoing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Become a Guided Autobiography Instructor

Become a certified Guided Autobiography Instructor through the Birren Center for Autobiographical Studies, a 501(c)(3) organization. Certification courses ongoing.

Become a certified Guided Autobiography Instructor through the Birren Center for Autobiographical Studies, a 501(c)(3) organization.
Certification courses ongoing.