ABSTRACT
During the last decade, globalization has most probably reached its pivotal peak of expansion in relation to its political, economic, societal and cultural dimensions. A growing number of people have benefitted from the opportunity to move across the world due to their jobs and professions as part of a global workforce serving, for instance, multinational companies, intergovernmental agencies or international institutions. Because of frequent relocations, these individuals and families can be defined as ‘global nomads’ or ‘third culture adults’. Due to their lifestyle, mind-set, culture(s) of origin, passports and occupational and economic status, these individuals are often exposed to high degrees of uncertainty and precariousness. They can also be considered persons dealing with exceptional levels of freedom and individualization. Becoming psychologically individuated as a third culture adult (TCA) can represent an adventurous and yet terrifying or melancholic journey. As a psychotherapist working with mobile individuals and with (young) adults who have experienced several relocations in different continents and countries, I could observe from a privileged venue how challenging it can be to achieve developmental tasks towards individuation and the integration of an authentic sense of self-identity.
