Guided AutobiographyGuided Autobiography is a carefully designed and well-tested method for helping people document and share life stories. While it can lead to a final manuscript for a book or other legacy project, Guided Autobiography is more about the process; it’s about remembering, reflecting, sharing and discovering what our stories have to tell us. It quite simply is an amazing personal experience.
Originally created in the mid 1970s by James Birren, the founding dean of the Davis School of Gerontology at the University of Southern California, Guided Autobiography creates a rich opportunity for people to reflect, discover, explore and connect. People who have been through the process find it to be a powerful catalyst for improved self-esteem, self-confidence, and communication within communities and within families. The process involves focusing on a different theme each session. We look at experiences like major turning points, family, health, work, even death — and tackle exercises and questions that will help spark your creativity, self-awareness and memories. For each session you’ll be asked to write a two-page story on a particular theme and then share it with the other participants (you’re only asked to share what you’re comfortable sharing). Throughout the workshop your writing will improve but this is not a typical writing class and no experience is necessary. If you are interested in signing up for a workshop or session or would like more information, please email Christie Simmons at [email protected]. |