What's good for TCKs is Good for Everyone!
Learn how to Unstack Anyone's Grief Tower

Unstacking Method Certification

Back by popular demand!

This certification allows professionals and laymen to use the Unstacking Method in various contexts - from counseling, to coaching and mentoring. It gives a deep dive into the logistical framework of using the Grief Tower concept while also giving a foundation for the important knowledge-set and skills needed to help someone process grief in a safe and healthy way. 

Day 1:  Understanding the Grief Tower Model
Day 2:  The Grief Tower Blocks and Timeline
Day 3:  Coping and Internal Narratives
Day 4:  Processing and Understanding your relationship
Day 5: Globally-Mobile Grief Tower Considerations*
*This would include or be relevant to those supporting:
  • Military personnel
  • Diplomats & foreign service workers
  • Missionaries
  • Adult TCKs (those who grew up abroad)

*In order to achieve the TCK Training Unstacking Certificate and maintain access to our content, you must complete the final assessment in a live capacity, be that during the week or on an asynchronous date within 6 months of your training.


Inquire at info@tcktraining.com to receive a discount for organizational teams of 2+.

Format

Live Virtual  Training

Time

9 am - 12 pm
Eastern Time (NY)

5-Day Course

May 11-15, 2026
3 hours/day
15 hours total

Want to know even more? Check out the certification page  here .

"The course is rich with content and supported with an incredible range of gifted and caring trainers that really want you to be successful and competent. You will walk away feeling inspired and well supported to be offering Unstacking to others."

~Paula B.

Related Resources:

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Unstacking Certification and Debrief Certification?

Our Debriefing Certification unpacks specifically how to debrief TCKs (usually ages 4-20) in the context of the family unit, and how to utilize the materials we've created in order to lead a 2-day debrief.

The Unstacking Methods Certification will go much more in depth into how to walk alongside any adult (ages 16+) who is processing grief - whether they're an expat (including adult TCKs) or not.

While we'll be giving attendees a packet they can use with anyone they're unstacking, we'll be doing more training on how to use the method in any type of setting.

There is some overlap (such as introducing the Grief Tower model, Red zone Green zone, and Safe Space Responses), but we intentionally designed the Unstacking Certification with new material taking into consideration all we have learned as we've been doing unstacking session with many Adult TCKs, expats, and non-expats. Whether it's noting the trends we've seen in challenges or how to navigate certain conversations we've had around grief with clients.

May 11-15 just doesn't work in my schedule? What are my options?

Each of the sessions will be recorded and posted for participants who are not able to attend any or all of the days. If you are not able to attend one of the days that week, we ask that you participate or watch the days in order as they build on the concepts presented the day before. A live final assessment is required to complete the certification, so if you are not able to attend that assessment on May 14, an additional live final assessment will be provided for an asynchronous completion of the certificate.

A completely asynchronous version is available here.

Could you tell me a little bit about what is included in Day 5 (Globally mobile considerations)?

The first four days will be relevant to any community (expat or monocultural), and then the fifth day dives into specific challenges we see for expats including adult TCKs, military personnel, missionaries, diplomat or foreign service workers, etc.
 This section will include research findings from our 2024 survey of Adult TCKs.

Are there any prerequisites for this course?

NO, however, if you are not familiar with our Grief Tower or Unstacking concepts, we recommend that you read What Made that Feel so Hard? by Lauren Wells ahead of time.

What Does it Mean to be Certified? 

—

An Unstacking Certification means that the participant…
  • Has been through 12 or 15 hours of training. 
  • Through assessments and case studies have demonstrated that they understand the Unstacking methodology.
  • Has received access to Unstacking materials to use for Unstacking sessions within or outside of their organization.
  • The Unstacking Session material is only to be used by people who have received the Unstacking Certification training through TCK Training. No one has been authorized to train others to use our materials. 

What does it NOT mean to be certified?

—

An Unstacking certification does NOT mean… 
  • That TCK Training has fully vetted, screened, background checked, etc. the participant. This remains the responsibility of the organization, family, or company the participant is meeting with or for. 
  • That they work for TCK Training. TCK Training certified DOES NOT mean that the participant works in any form with or under TCK Training. 
  • That TCK Training guarantees their abilities, qualities, or conduct as an Unstacker. 

Meet the instructors

—

Lauren Wells 

TCK Training - Chief Executive Officer

Lauren is the Founder and CEO of TCK Training and the Unstacking Company.  She is a sought after international keynote speaker whose expertise includes grief processing, Third Culture Kids, and preventive care. She is the author of Raising Up a Generation of Healthy Third Culture Kids, What Made That Feel So Hard: The Unstacking Method, and more. An Adult Third Culture Kid (ATCK), Lauren grew up between California and Tanzania, East Africa and now lives in Georgia with her husband and two children. 


Christy Carmean

TCK Training - Director of Operations 

Christy spent 11 years living in west central Africa.  First as a student of Pathways, and now overseeing the certification courses at TCK Training, Christy is passionate about providing education and resources to families, TCKs and caregivers.  Christy is the mom of 3 Adult TCKs  and has 2 granddaughters.

Anna Danforth

TCK Training Presenter

Anna Danforth grew up in Cameroon as a TCK where she developed a passion to help global families thrive overseas. She holds a degree in secondary French education and an MAED in Instruction and Curriculum. She married her high school sweetheart from DR Congo and they raised their two kids in Lesotho and South Africa.  Anna has written Raising a Family Overseas as a resource for global families and Sam's Roommate Disaster for TCKs. The place she calls home is a fruit tree and macadamia farm in KwaZulu Natal where she lives with her husband, dogs, cats, horse, and best friends.