Guided Autobiography (GAB) is a tool for reflection, enhanced with art forms like photography, music, and theater. In multicultural settings, GAB prompts adapt to honor diverse perspectives, helping participants connect through themes like migration and heritage. Facilitators can encourage symbols from participants’ cultural backgrounds, enriching the storytelling experience. Translating GAB requires cultural sensitivity to ensure prompts resonate across languages. A safe, inclusive space is vital for participants to share openly. Final creations—like memory journals or collaborative books—enable participants to preserve and share their stories, honoring both personal and cultural journeys.

Co-presented by Alicia Borisonik & Camila Reimers

In this enriching talk, Beatriz Enriquez introduces the transformative “Resignifying Life” and “Guided Autobiography” programs for older adults, offered at the Ignatian Center for Spirituality in Guadalajara, Mexico. Through courses in spirituality, human development, and life meaning inspired by Viktor Frankl, participants embark on a journey of self-reflection. The Guided Autobiography program integrates insights from Erikson’s stages and Ignatian traditions, using symbols to capture life’s moments. Participants create life timelines, share personal stories, and foster creativity, forming close-knit communities that provide mutual support and leave lasting legacies for loved ones and future generations.

Guided Autobiography (GAB) is a self-reflection tool that incorporates art forms like photography, music, and theater. In multicultural settings, GAB prompts are adapted to respect diverse perspectives, allowing participants to connect through cultural themes. Facilitators encourage the use of symbols from participants' backgrounds to enhance storytelling. A safe, inclusive space is essential for participants to share their stories, which are preserved and shared through final creations like memory journals or collaborative books, honoring personal and cultural journeys.

Co-presented by Alicia Borisonik & Camila Reimers

As GAB instructors, creating a safe space for storytelling is essential. This workshop will equip you with tools to build an inclusive environment where participants from diverse backgrounds feel valued and heard. Learn strategies to embrace cultural, generational, and religious diversity, navigate sensitive topics, and foster meaningful connections through shared experiences. You'll leave with effective facilitation techniques to promote dialogue, celebrate differences, and create a united narrative, ensuring every story contributes to a broader understanding of our shared humanity.

James E. Birren, a cognitive psychologist and gerontologist, developed Guided Autobiography (GAB) nearly 50 years ago. His work has led to three books and numerous research articles. This presentation explores Birren's legacy, the inspiration behind GAB, and its enduring impact. It reveals Birren's dual role as a researcher and passionate listener, highlighting the profound insights gained from GAB groups. The presentation aims to motivate attendees to explore GAB for personal reflection and life story writing, showcasing its continued relevance and effectiveness. Guest Speakers: Pauline Abbott, Ed.D.; Elyse Salend; Diana Taylor, Ph.D.; and Robin Mintzer-Davis, Ph.D.    

Join Cheryl Svensson, Director of the Birren Center, and summit host Elizabeth Johnston for the opening of Day 1.

Join Cheryl Svensson, Director of the Birren Center, and summit host Elizabeth Johnston for the opening of Day 2.

Join Cheryl Svensson, Director of the Birren Center, and summit host Elizabeth Johnston for the opening of Day 3.

Day 1 Closing Session

Day 2 Closing Session

Day 3 Closing Session

Explore how poetry serves as a powerful tool for self-expression, storytelling, and self-discovery in this talk. We’ll dive into how poets, both past and present, use their lived experiences to create autobiographical work that resonates with universal themes. Key topics include: the personal voice in poetry, memory and reflection as tools for healing, and how individual experiences transform into shared art. Learn how to incorporate poetry into your guided autobiography workshops, helping participants tap into their inner worlds and express their stories in profound, creative ways.

Guided Autobiography is a powerful tool for collecting life stories, particularly when exploring key developmental phases like gerotranscendence. This session showcases how the method can be adapted to support aging individuals in reflecting on life transitions and growth, as demonstrated in a doctoral study with Third Age University students in Turkey. New prompting questions based on Lars Tornstam's gerotranscendence theory enhance the GAB process, offering deeper insights into personal aging journeys and fostering transcendental growth.

Interviewed by Cheryl Svensson, director of the Birren Centre

Explore how creativity serves as a powerful compass for living authentically and aligning with your soul's purpose. Through the lens of a deeply personal story about resilience and inspiration from a WWII displaced persons camp, discover how creative expression transcends art to shape meaningful lives and businesses. Engage in a short interactive exercise to connect with your inner creative spark and leave inspired to nurture your authentic self through small yet transformative acts of creativity. This talk will resonate with anyone seeking to infuse more purpose and passion into their personal and professional journey.

Ready to turn your Guided Autobiography (GAB) essays into a memoir? This session will guide you through the process of transforming personal stories into a book, whether for personal use, family keepsakes, or group anthologies. Learn about the essential steps in the publishing process, what costs to expect, and how to navigate different publishing options. We'll also discuss how to find reliable service providers and avoid common pitfalls. By the end, you'll be equipped to confidently plan and execute your GAB memoir project.

Storytelling bridges experiences, fostering inclusion within affinity groups. This session introduces Guided Autobiography (GAB) as a tool to support Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) by helping individuals share personal stories that deepen mutual understanding. Learn how to adapt GAB for affinity groups, building connections through shared narratives. Explore case studies and strategies for integrating storytelling into EDI initiatives, strengthening communities, and promoting growth. Join us to discover storytelling's transformative role in fostering empathy and belonging.

Guests:

• Dipti Gupta, Visual Storyteller
• Dana Curtin
• Gayathri Shukla, Social Entrepreneur
• Lindy Pfeil, Writer, Memoirist, and Instructor

In today's digital age, having a simple, professional online presence is crucial for GAB instructors. This session explores how a one-page website acts as your digital business card, making it easy for potential students to find and connect with you. Learn the benefits of enhanced visibility, credibility, and engagement, all in a cost-effective format that's easy to update. By the end of this talk, you'll understand why a one-page site is essential and how it can boost your GAB practice. Includes an introduction to a 3-day workshop on building your own site.

Discover the transformative power of Digital Storytelling, a collaborative method for creating impactful 3-5 minute films from personal narratives. In this session, I will showcase a digital story co-created with a client and explain the process of recording, selecting photos, and choosing music. We'll explore which stories from your Guided Autobiography (GAB) students would shine as digital stories and how this medium serves as a meaningful legacy for them to share with loved ones. Participants will leave inspired to bring their written stories to life through video. 

Many aspiring writers abandon their dreams due to self-doubt, fear of criticism, and personal challenges. This session at the GAB Summit will explore how Guided Autobiography (GAB) empowers individuals to overcome these barriers and reignite their passion for writing. I’ll discuss how GAB fosters growth, builds confidence, and creates a strong community for sharing stories. Attendees will discover how GAB enables participants to reclaim their voices, pursue publishing opportunities, and even launch writing businesses—all while preserving their unique stories.

Interviewed by Michael Williams

Mimi Holmes & Heige Boehm are co-moderators for this panel discussion with some of their students discussing the GAB Experience. This is a 45-minute panel discussion with 10 minutes of Q&A afterwards.
 

Guest: Leopold
 

Guided Autobiographical Writing (GAB) encourages exploration of life stories through prompts and group dynamics. This session focuses on two adaptations: “Tasting the Past: Flavors of Memory” and “Writing the Body: Unfolding Your Life’s Narrative.” “Tasting the Past” intertwines culinary experiences with personal narratives, allowing participants to explore how food shapes memories and identities, while “Writing the Body” emphasizes the role of physical sensations in storytelling, particularly in relation to aging. These adaptations foster community connection, personal growth, and emotional healing, demonstrating GAB's versatility and relevance in diverse contexts.

Organizing memories into a coherent story offers profound benefits for self-awareness and personal growth. In this talk, we’ll explore six empowering ways memoir writing transforms fragmented memories into meaningful narratives. Learn a simple method to chronologically sequence memories and discover the hero’s driving motivation. Along the way, you’ll gain deeper self-understanding, foster healing, and cultivate hope by highlighting personal growth. By sharing your story, you’ll break free from the isolating hold of excessive privacy and shame, empowering yourself and inspiring others. Perfect for Guided Autobiography Instructors seeking to enrich their students’ storytelling journeys.

Guided Autobiography (GAB) has been a powerful tool for fostering connection and personal growth, especially among the elderly in China who have witnessed significant societal shifts. In this session, we will explore how GAB has been successfully adapted to Chinese cultural contexts, helping participants reflect on their lives, enhance self-worth, and connect with others. Learn how structured storytelling provides a space for reflection, empowers personal growth, and builds community, offering a sense of purpose and renewed confidence to pursue dreams.

Explore the powerful synergy of Guided Autobiography and SoulCollage®, a creative process developed by Seena B. Frost. In this talk, we’ll learn about this holistic approach to self-discovery, combining reflective writing with intuitive collage-making. Learn how participants can create and interpret SoulCollage® cards that represent different aspects of the self, revealing wisdom and clarity. Discover how this method enhances GAB themes by fostering self-awareness and deeper insight surrounding life events. Attendees will leave with an understanding of SoulCollage® and information on how to further explore it for meaningful integration into their GAB sessions. 

As Guided Autobiography (GAB) instructors, we play a vital role in facilitating others’ stories rooted in vulnerability and courage. But how do we honor our own narratives, and how do they shape our values and practices? This presentation will explore how reflecting on our personal stories enhances self-awareness and guides our professional growth. Participants will learn storytelling techniques to integrate into their practice, strengthen their connection to core values, and gain confidence in holding space for themselves and others. Join us to enrich your capacity for transformative storytelling!

Discover how Digital Storytelling, through life story videos, can support transitions to assisted living and long-term care. Learn the principles and process behind creating these meaningful videos, and explore how they positively impact caregivers and families. We’ll discuss how combining Guided Autobiography (GAB) with Digital Storytelling can enhance late-life transitions, offering practical tools for care partners and enriching the experience for everyone involved. Join us to explore how these powerful methods can create deeper connections and provide emotional support during significant life changes.

Storytelling is a transformative journey that deepens our sense of self and fosters love and connection. In this presentation, I’ll explore how Guided Autobiography (GAB) enhances personal growth and reflection, making it a heartfelt gift for ourselves and others. I’ll share plans to offer GAB classes in diverse settings, from retirement communities to wellness environments, and how they can nurture authentic conversations among families and friends. Additionally, I'll highlight the impact of personalized audiobooks that celebrate shared memories. Join me to discover creative ways to preserve and share stories, enriching both the storyteller and the recipient.

Discover how the Guided Autobiography (GAB) certification can propel your professional journey! This session highlights my personal leap into a fulfilling career where GAB became the cornerstone for developing workshops in fiction writing and self-publishing. I’ll share how GAB provided the confidence and flexibility to reach diverse participants, including those from Brazil, Spain, and California, through online offerings. Learn practical strategies for building your business, from branding to promotion, and explore the exciting possibilities that emerge when you harness the power of GAB to create meaningful connections and opportunities in your professional life.

In this session, I'll share my experience offering a 6-week Guided Autobiography course at the Wellington Retirement Home and Long-Term Care Facility, where most participants were between 92 and 98 years old. While many faced physical and cognitive challenges, including difficulty with writing and memory, the journey proved heartwarming. With patience and adaptability, we created a supportive environment where participants could express themselves. As one attendee beautifully stated, "This course has helped me find my voice!" Join me to explore strategies for fostering storytelling among seniors and the transformative power of GAB in care settings.

Interviewed by Gord Deyell

Discover Mike’s innovative approach to running a successful life story company, where clients write their own stories while ensuring profitability. He’ll break down a client-friendly pricing model, show how to manage multiple projects valued at $5,000-15,000+—all without contracts—and offer practical tips for scaling your business. With over 30 years of experience, Mike will share insights on migrating his UK-based model to the North American market. 

Interviewed by Sarah White

Mimi Holmes & Heige Boehm are co-moderators for this panel discussion with some of their students discussing the GAB Experience. This is a 45-minute panel discussion with 10 minutes of Q&A afterwards.

Guests: Mike Hughes & Lori Tolonen 

Guided Autobiography (GAB) offers more than just a reflection on the past—it can also help shape the future. In this insightful session, learn how GAB can guide participants in connecting their past experiences with their present desires and future goals, fostering intentional, purpose-driven living. GAB Instructor and Life Letters coach Nancy Sharp will explore how to challenge old narratives that may hinder growth and encourage students to reimagine their potential. Discover new ways to use GAB as a tool for helping others live fully and embrace new possibilities at any stage of life.

Interviewed by Helen Davidson

Normala will share her experiences running  GAB workshops in Singapore where, by and large, communities are only starting to grapple seriously with the ageing of the population.  She will discuss the factors that both facilitate and hinder senior participation in the program as well as how participants  are adapting the GAB method   to expand the possibilities of life story writing both in terms of its approaches as well as applications such as through the use of AI; video and photography.

Interviewed by Cheryl Svensson, Director of the Birren Center

Guided Autobiography (GAB) groups often focus on older adults. In this presentation, I’ll describe GAB groups I’ve run for NUS College alumni in Singapore, both in-person and online. Participants, aged from 20 to 45, seek to re-story their lives and cultivate community as they navigate their futures. What themes emerge in working with younger adults in social and cultural contexts marked by migration and constant change? And what does contemporary narrative psychology tell us how GAB might offer place of storytelling and listening for them and others?
 

Join me for an insightful session on "Find Your Students-Fill Your Classes," a 6-week workshop created by Cheryl Svensson and Sarah White at the Birren Center. In this 20-minute talk, I’ll share key highlights from the training, designed to empower GAB instructors to market their workshops and create a part-time income. Discover effective marketing strategies, address limiting beliefs, and start crafting a personalized Marketing Action Plan. Plus, I’ll provide 2-3 actionable techniques you can implement right away to attract students and fill your classes!

Valerie Perry and Sarah White co-moderate this panel discussion on anthologizing GAB writing.

Guests: 

• Bobbie Johnson
• Carol Blatter

This session will share the results of a pilot project to provide GAB to seniors living with dementia. The session will include intake, modification of written assignments, special considerations for class meetings, and feedback from participants.

Photos possess a unique power to evoke emotion and memory, serving as catalysts for storytelling. In this session, I’ll share how images can transport us through time, revealing layers of context and significance. Drawing on my experiences and client stories, including those who have lost loved ones or faced memory challenges, I will illustrate how photos help recover joyful memories and trigger deeper reflections. By pairing visuals with narratives, we enhance understanding and engagement, making photos invaluable tools for Guided Autobiography instructors to enrich life story writing.

Valerie Perry and Sarah White co-moderate this panel discussion on anthologizing GAB writing.

Guests: 

• Lori Smith
• Jean Morciglio

In 2020, I was invited to lead a Guided Autobiography (GAB) workshop for Second Generation (2G) Holocaust survivors in Vancouver. Although I had years of experience, this project required deep research, sensitivity, and careful adaptation of themes to meet their unique needs. It became an incredible journey of connection and learning, culminating in an anthology of their powerful stories. In this talk, I'll share insights on the challenges and rewards of adapting GAB for such a meaningful group, offering takeaways for fellow instructors.