Guided Autobiography/ GAB
The guided autobiography method was first developed in the 1970s at the University of Southern California (USC) by Dr. James Birren, a founding
scholar in the field of gerontology and credited with establishing much of the framework of the modern gerontological theory. Grounded in life review
and reminiscence, guided autobiography emerged in educational and research activities to explore issues shaping adult development. But Birren believed
strongly in the power of this approach not only for its obvious legacy benefits but also for the therapeutic effects witnessed in several studies. Over the
years it has evolved into a dynamic, flexible format used in lifelong learning, counselling, psychotherapy and for autobiographical and memoir writing.
April 4, 1918 – January 15, 2016.
The guided autobiography method was first developed in the 1970s at the University of Southern California (USC) by Dr. James Birren, a founding
scholar in the field of gerontology and credited with establishing much of the framework of the modern gerontological theory. Grounded in life review
and reminiscence, guided autobiography emerged in educational and research activities to explore issues shaping adult development. But Birren believed
strongly in the power of this approach not only for its obvious legacy benefits but also for the therapeutic effects witnessed in several studies. Over the
years it has evolved into a dynamic, flexible format used in lifelong learning, counselling, psychotherapy and for autobiographical and memoir writing.
April 4, 1918 – January 15, 2016.