Life Story Writing Classes:
Guided Autobiography (Level One & Level Two)
Preserve Your Story. Find Meaning. Leave a Legacy.
Your life is made up of moments, memories, turning points, and quiet truths that deserve to be remembered. Our Guided Autobiography (GAB) Life Story Writing Classes help you gently uncover, write, and share the stories that shaped who you are—one meaningful theme at a time.
Whether you join us in person or online, these small-group classes offer a supportive, structured, and deeply human way to capture your life stories—no writing experience required.
Is This Class for You?These classes are perfect if you:
Whether you join us in person or online, these small-group classes offer a supportive, structured, and deeply human way to capture your life stories—no writing experience required.
Is This Class for You?These classes are perfect if you:
- Feel a pull to write your life stories but don’t know where to start
- Want to preserve memories for children, grandchildren, or loved ones
- Are navigating life transitions, aging, grief, or reflection
- Want your stories to be heard, not just written
- Prefer gentle guidance and meaningful conversation over “writing rules”
- If you have a life, you have stories worth telling.
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What Is Guided Autobiography?
Guided Autobiography (GAB) is a proven, facilitated method of life story writing developed by Dr. James Birren. Rather than writing your entire life at once, you write short stories based on weekly themes, then share them in a small, respectful group.
This process:
Guided Autobiography (GAB) is a proven, facilitated method of life story writing developed by Dr. James Birren. Rather than writing your entire life at once, you write short stories based on weekly themes, then share them in a small, respectful group.
This process:
- Makes writing feel manageable and meaningful
- Sparks memories you didn’t know you still had
- Builds connection and validation through listening and being heard
- Honors lived experience without pressure or critique
Level One: Foundations of Your Life Story
Start Where You Are. Write What Matters.
Level One is an introduction to Guided Autobiography and the perfect place to begin if you’ve never taken a life story writing class before.
Over the course of the class, you’ll explore core life themes that help anchor your story and identity. Each session includes:
Common Level One Themes May Include:(Exact themes may vary slightly by session)
Level One is an introduction to Guided Autobiography and the perfect place to begin if you’ve never taken a life story writing class before.
Over the course of the class, you’ll explore core life themes that help anchor your story and identity. Each session includes:
- A thoughtfully chosen life theme
- Guided writing prompts
- Time to write
- Optional sharing and facilitated listening
- Gentle reflection and discussion
Common Level One Themes May Include:(Exact themes may vary slightly by session)
- Life chapters and turning points
- Family of origin
- Childhood memories
- Values and beliefs
- Work, roles, and identity
- Major life transitions
By the end of Level One, participants often say:
“I didn’t realize how much of my story I still carried.”
“This helped me see my life with more compassion.”
“I finally started writing—and didn’t stop.”
“I didn’t realize how much of my story I still carried.”
“This helped me see my life with more compassion.”
“I finally started writing—and didn’t stop.”
Level Two: Continuing the Story
Go Deeper. Reflect More Fully. Connect the Threads.
Level Two is designed for returning students who want to continue their Guided Autobiography journey with new themes and deeper reflection.
This level builds on the trust, skills, and confidence developed in Level One while exploring additional aspects of your lived experience.
Level Two ThemesLevel Two focuses on rich, reflective themes that invite deeper insight, emotional honesty, and meaning-making. These themes are designed to help you recognize your resilience, growth, and passions across your life.
Level Two Topics May Include:(Exact themes may vary slightly by session)
These themes often lead to powerful insights, unexpected memories, and a renewed appreciation for the life you’ve lived.
Level Two often feels especially powerful because participants are already comfortable with the process—and ready to go deeper.
Level Two is designed for returning students who want to continue their Guided Autobiography journey with new themes and deeper reflection.
This level builds on the trust, skills, and confidence developed in Level One while exploring additional aspects of your lived experience.
Level Two ThemesLevel Two focuses on rich, reflective themes that invite deeper insight, emotional honesty, and meaning-making. These themes are designed to help you recognize your resilience, growth, and passions across your life.
Level Two Topics May Include:(Exact themes may vary slightly by session)
- First Times – Moments of beginning, discovery, and becoming
- Weathering the Storm – Challenges, losses, and how you endured
- Friendships – Connections that shaped, supported, or changed you
- Courage – Times you acted despite fear or uncertainty
- Greatest Achievements – Accomplishments big and small, visible and unseen
- Passions – What has lit you up, sustained you, or given life meaning
These themes often lead to powerful insights, unexpected memories, and a renewed appreciation for the life you’ve lived.
Level Two often feels especially powerful because participants are already comfortable with the process—and ready to go deeper.
In-Person or Online – Your Choice
We offer both in-person (Saskatoon, SK) and live online Guided Autobiography classes.
In-Person Classes:
What Makes These Classes Different?
What You’ll Walk Away With
By the end of each level, you’ll have:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a writer?
No. These classes are designed for people with lived experience—not writing backgrounds.
Do I have to share my writing?
Sharing is always optional. You control what and how much you share.
Is this therapy?
No. While the experience can be deeply meaningful, this is a facilitated writing and storytelling class, not counseling.
What if I feel emotional?
That’s normal. The space is held with care, respect, and emotional awareness.
Ready to Begin—or Continue—Your Life Story?
Your story matters. Your voice matters. And it’s not too late to begin.
👉 Enroll in Level One if you’re starting your Guided Autobiography journey.
👉 Enroll in Level Two if you’re ready to continue with new themes and deeper reflection.
In-person and online options available. Space is limited to keep groups small.
We offer both in-person (Saskatoon, SK) and live online Guided Autobiography classes.
In-Person Classes:
- Small, intimate groups
- Face-to-face connection
- A calm, welcoming environment
- Live, interactive sessions (not pre-recorded)
- Participate from anywhere
- Same structure, prompts, and facilitated sharing
What Makes These Classes Different?
- Facilitated by a certified Guided Autobiography instructor
- Trauma-aware, grief-informed, and emotionally respectful
- Focused on meaning, not perfection
- Designed for real lives—not polished memoirs
- A blend of writing, listening, and human connection
What You’ll Walk Away With
By the end of each level, you’ll have:
- A collection of written life stories
- Greater clarity about your life journey
- Increased confidence in your voice
- Stories your family has never heard
- The foundation for a legacy project, memoir, or keepsake book
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a writer?
No. These classes are designed for people with lived experience—not writing backgrounds.
Do I have to share my writing?
Sharing is always optional. You control what and how much you share.
Is this therapy?
No. While the experience can be deeply meaningful, this is a facilitated writing and storytelling class, not counseling.
What if I feel emotional?
That’s normal. The space is held with care, respect, and emotional awareness.
Ready to Begin—or Continue—Your Life Story?
Your story matters. Your voice matters. And it’s not too late to begin.
👉 Enroll in Level One if you’re starting your Guided Autobiography journey.
👉 Enroll in Level Two if you’re ready to continue with new themes and deeper reflection.
In-person and online options available. Space is limited to keep groups small.
