Implications for Professional Counselors When Working With Adult Third Culture Kids

As society continues to globalize, increasing numbers of our clients are having to live and function within multiple cultures. Third culture kids (TCKs) and adult third culture kids (ATCKs) spend a significant part of their formative years in another country or countries due to the work choices of their parents. TCKs and ATCKs share a distinct experience that lies within the idea of a third culture, which is neither the home nor the host culture. TCKs and ATCKs experience many transitions. These transitions are intensified because they are not only changing locations, but in many cases, cultures as well. We as counselors must be prepared to work with this population in a culturally competent manner. This article, which focuses on this population in adulthood, seeks to (a) increase the knowledge base of professional counselors in their work with ATCKs, (b) define the ATCK transition experience, and (c) offer culturally competent counseling strategies.