Third Culture Kids (TCKs), or those who have spent a significant portion of their developing years living outside of their family’s culture, often experience challenges unique to their upbringing. TCKs grew up as the children of diplomats, educators, missionaries, NGO workers, military families, and business people working abroad. TCKs often feel a sense that they belong nowhere, that “home” is an elusive concept. Transition, goodbyes, loss of belonging, and trauma can create compounded and unresolved grief. Counseling can provide an important place to work through the unique gifts and struggles that come with being a TCK.
