As a dedicated book lover and aspiring minimalist, I rarely buy hard copies of books. But when a client told me about Past Tense by Sacha Mardou, my interest was piqued. I love books about people’s therapy journeys, and Mardou’s focus on Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy—a core part of my practice for over 20 years—made it especially appealing.
Last fall, I had the privilege of hearing Mardou speak at an IFS conference. Her presence, vulnerability, and courage moved me, and I knew this was a book worth purchasing.
First Impressions: A Graphic Novel About Therapy
The first thing I noticed about Past Tense was its physical weight—common for graphic novels, but surprising to me since I don’t usually read them. It’s a quick read (one or two sittings), yet it carries profound depth.
The book explores Mardou’s therapy journey, which begins with high anxiety and unexplained physical symptoms. After some initial hesitation, she starts working with an IFS therapist recommended by her acupuncturist. The graphic novel format beautifully illustrates her inner parts, bringing her therapeutic process to life in a uniquely visual way.
The Layers Beneath Anxiety
As a therapist, I often see clients come in with anxiety, stress, or physical symptoms without understanding why they are having these symptoms. After some exploration, we can usually uncover deeper layers of pain beneath the surface.
Mardou’s journey mirrors this process. One of the most rewarding parts of being a therapist is witnessing those connective moments when clients begin piecing together their inner experience. It’s a tremendous honor to walk with people through these transformations.
Healing from Trauma Through IFS Therapy in Past Tense
The book weaves together multiple storylines, including Mardou’s childhood trauma—parental neglect, sexual abuse, incest, religious trauma, and domestic abuse. If these topics are triggering for you, it’s helpful to know that going in.
As an empathic therapist, I usually avoid trauma-heavy content in my free time. But despite the intensity of the themes, the focus on healing creates a sense of hopefulness. The graphic novel format also makes it more digestible.
Integrating Trauma Work Into Daily Life
One of the book’s most compelling aspects is how Mardou integrates her healing into her relationships with family members. She grapples with the impact of her trauma on these relationships while working toward growth and change.
Clients often wonder whether revisiting past pain is necessary. “There’s nothing I can do to change it, so why would I want to think about that stuff?” This book beautifully demonstrates how exploring and healing past experiences can shift your present life in profound ways.
Working with Resistance to Therapy
Mardou, who is British, notes the cultural norm of maintaining a “stiff upper lip.” She initially resists therapy, questioning whether it’s necessary or helpful. Unfortunately, this stigma around therapy remains prevalent in many cultures.
I remember my own reluctance to seek therapy in college, believing I should handle things on my own and fearing judgment from a counselor. It wasn’t until I interned at a college counseling center that I realized how many people seek therapy as an act of self-care. I wish everyone could see how many “normal” people benefit from therapy—it would go a long way in reducing the stigma.
Comparative Trauma and the Right to Heal
In a section titled Therapy is for People with Real Problems, Mardou downplays her own suffering by comparing it to the struggles of her family members. Her therapist’s response is powerful: “You have the right to examine your life and heal.”
This is a common pattern among therapy clients, who dismiss their own pain because “others have it worse.” While it can be helpful to keep perspective and be grateful for the ways we have not suffered, comparing our pain to others tends to minimize our real experiences. Your suffering matters and deserves healing, no matter how it compares to others’ suffering. Your healing does not take away from other people’s ability to work on their own healing—it creates more room for healing all around.
Healing Backwards and Forwards
Mardou explores generational trauma within her family, recognizing how past legacies still shape her present. By doing the inner work to heal, she disrupts these patterns, reducing their impact on her own daughter. She also holds hope that her healing might positively influence her mother’s healing process.
How might your children and future generations benefit from your healing? Imagine if your parents and ancestors had done deep inner work, bringing healing to their traumas and wounds—how different might your life be today? Doing your own healing not only frees you but can also create a ripple effect through your family line.
Trusting Your Intuition About Therapy
At one point, Mardou switches from a male therapist, Chris, to a female therapist, Sally, before later returning to Chris. I love how she honors her intuition about what she needs at different points in her journey.
Every therapist brings unique strengths and styles. Sometimes allowing ourselves to receive different therapeutic perspectives can help us grow in complementary ways.
What Makes Mardou an Ideal Therapy Client?
Throughout the book, I kept thinking, I’d love to be her therapist. Why? Because she actively engages in her healing process both in and out of her weekly sessions.
She takes notes after sessions, sketches her insights, reads about trauma, and implements changes in her daily life. This level of commitment leads to real transformation. As a therapist, witnessing clients engage with their inner parts, shift relationship patterns, and embrace their healing is like watching miracles. I never tire of it.
You don’t have to write a book about your therapy journey to benefit deeply. But taking time to reflect, journal, or process with someone you trust can help you get more out of therapy
A Minor Criticism
The book includes some political commentary, which might feel distracting to some readers. I appreciate Mardou’s full expression of her story and believe the therapeutic insights more than make up for these moments.
Final Thoughts: A Powerful Look at Healing Through IFS Therapy
Past Tense is a powerful, insightful graphic novel that beautifully captures the therapeutic journey. It offers a rare, intimate look at the healing process through IFS therapy, making it a fantastic read for therapists, therapy clients, highly sensitive people, and anyone curious about deep inner work.
If you’re looking for a compelling, relatable, and inspiring depiction of therapy and personal transformation, this book is absolutely worth your time.
Inspired to Start Your Own Healing Journey?
Curious about how IFS therapy could help you heal? Whether you’re working through anxiety, past trauma, or patterns of behavior you want to shift, I’d love to support your journey. Learn more about therapy with me or book a free call to explore if we’re a good fit. I offer online counseling sessions in Georgia and in person counseling sessions in Carrollton, GA.