Halloween is not a holiday exclusive to kids. For certain adults—especially those exploring their mental well-being—it can be an unexpected means to connect again with the inner child. Wearing a costume, choosing a character, or simply attending an event that has a theme can engage creativity, curiosity, and playfulness normally suppressed by the rules of adulthood.
Why Inner Child Work Matters
Our "inner child" holds early childhood memories, emotions, and needs. When that part of us gets no attention, it can show up as shame, perfectionism, worry, or issues with trusting other people. Inner child work is learning to recognize and nurture that inner part of us, allowing it to feel safe, playful, and accepted.
Costumes as a Gateway to Play
For many adults, dressing up for Halloween provides a culturally sanctioned path for play and discovery of different parts of themselves. Costume gives us permission to experiment with new identities, recreate old fantasies, and recover fragments of ourselves that we may have lost. This can be especially healing for LGBTQIA+ adults, neurodivergent adults, or anyone whose childhood bliss was limited by others' projections.
Making a Holiday a Healing Practice
Pick with Purpose: Choose a costume that symbolizes a part of your inner child or a part of yourself that is free.
Make Ritual: During preparation, reflect upon what this costume signifies to you. Write some affirmations or journaling.
Open to Connection: Share the experience with loving friends or an open community who celebrate your true self.
Reflect Afterwards: After Halloween, journal or talk with your therapist about what came up.
By consciously approaching dressing up, you’re doing more than celebrating a holiday—you’re giving your inner child permission to play and heal.
Your Inner Child Deserves Support
If you’re curious about inner child work or want guidance on healing practices like this, Inclusive Therapy Group has affirming therapists who can help you explore and integrate these experiences into your mental health journey.
Book a free consultation today: https://inclusivetherapygroup.janeapp.com/
Meet our affirming providers: https://inclusivetherapygroup.com/pages/about
You don’t have to heal your inner child alone. Let’s do the work together—so you can bring more joy, safety, and authenticity into your adult life.
https://inclusivetherapygroup.com/blog/healing-your-inner-child
