10/26 - From Frights to Feel-Goods: The Therapeutic Side of Halloween
From Frights to Feel-Goods:
The Therapeutic Side of Halloween
1. The Healing Power of Play
As adults, we often forget how to play. I used to tell myself, when I was much younger, that I never wanted to lose my playful spirit. But I found that between work, parenting, and the general busyness of life, play can start to feel frivolous. But, guess what, play isn’t just for kids—it’s a vital part of emotional health. Halloween gives us permission to be silly and have fun again. Whether you’re dressing up, decorating, or just handing out candy in a witch hat, you’re tapping into creativity, humor, and lightheartedness—all of which help lower stress and boost mood.
Taking time to play helps your brain reset. It’s a chance to shake off the seriousness of everyday life and reconnect with your inner child.
2. Trying on a New Identity
Another fun benefit of Halloween is the idea of dressing up or "being" someone else.
Costumes give us the freedom to explore parts of ourselves we might normally keep hidden or may be to embarrassed or afraid to explore. Halloween gives us permission to be someone else, even if just for one night. For that one night, we can be bold, mysterious, or downright ridiculous—without fear of judgment. This can actually be a gentle form of self-exploration. When we “try on” new identities, we often learn a little something about who we are, what we wish we could express more freely, or what traits we admire or wish we had developed. If you’re shy, maybe you choose a confident character. If you’re usually the responsible one, maybe you dress as something carefree. It’s play, but it’s also symbolic—a safe way to explore different sides of yourself.
3. Facing Fear in a Safe Way
Halloween helps us experiment with fear in a way that feels controlled.
Watching scary movies, walking through a haunted house, or even carving a spooky pumpkin gives us a way to confront uncomfortable feelings—like anxiety or uncertainty—while knowing that, in reality, we are safe. In the therapy world, that's called exposure in moderation. By allowing ourselves to engage with fear playfully, we can strengthen our ability to tolerate and regulate our emotions, reminding ourselves that fear doesn't always have to man danger.
4. Connecting Through Shared Rituals
There’s something powerful about shared traditions.
I absolutely love fun family traditions. In fact, I carried on my childhood holiday traditions with my children, all the way through their young adulthood, when they moved out on their own. And I distinctly remember one of my sons telling me, about one of our traditions, that if his children get to do that same thing when they're growing up, they'll have a great childhood. Carving pumpkins with your children, walking through the neighborhood with other families, or hosting a Halloween party all build connection—and connection is one of the most healing experiences we can have. It's always good to know that we have other people in our corner.
Even if you’re not into big events, small acts like sharing candy with neighbors or admiring costumes can spark a sense of belonging and community—both of which reduce loneliness and promote well-being.
5. Letting Go and Having Fun
Finally, Halloween reminds us that it’s okay to be imperfect, messy, and a little weird.
Pumpkin guts on the counter, costumes that don’t go as planned, kids with chocolate on their faces—it’s all part of the joy. Letting your children eat more sweets than usual or packing a few of the candies in their lunch over the weeks following Halloween. Letting go of control for a day can be its own kind of therapy. We all need to be able to let down our guard a bit, from time to time.
So this Halloween, give yourself permission to play, laugh, and maybe even face a fear or two. Whether you’re dressing up, decorating your porch, or just soaking in the creative chaos, remember—sometimes the silliest moments are the ones that heal us the most.
If you'd like to see any of my previous blog posts, please click here.
To hear the companion Halloween episode of the Married & Confused Podcast, please click here.
If you're interested in couples or individual counseling, please visit my website and schedule a free 15 minute consultation - www.brittaniedmillslmft.com.
I provide online individual and couples counseling throughout California, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Florida.
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