If you’re considering starting psychotherapy, it’s natural to want to ensure that you’re in safe hands from the very beginning. After all, therapy is a significant investment—not just of money, but also of your time and emotional energy. Given that this journey may span a considerable length of time, it’s crucial to make sure you’re making the right choice. That’s why I offer a free discovery session, designed to help us both to start on the right foot.

This initial meeting is not only a chance for you to evaluate whether I’m the right fit for you, but it’s also an opportunity for me to understand your challenges and determine whether I can effectively help you. The matching process goes both ways; just as you want to feel comfortable and supported, I need to assess if I can work with you to achieve meaningful results. Therapy is a team effort, and it’s essential for both of us to feel confident that we can collaborate effectively to make progress.

What is a Discovery Session?

A discovery session is the first meeting between us, serving as a foundation for the work we’ll do together. Unlike regular therapy sessions, which focus on working through your concerns and emotions, the discovery session is all about getting to know each other and setting the stage for a successful therapeutic relationship.

The Goals of a Discovery Session

The discovery session has several key objectives that I believe are essential for a productive and effective therapy experience:

1. Building Rapport
Establishing a connection with me is vital. The discovery session allows both of us to assess whether we feel comfortable and at ease with one another. A strong therapeutic relationship is built on trust and mutual understanding, and this session is the first step in developing that bond.

2. Understanding Your Needs
During the discovery session, I’ll ask questions to gain a deeper understanding of your current challenges, goals, and expectations. This is your opportunity to share what brought you to therapy, whether it’s anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or another concern. I’ll listen carefully to your story to grasp the full scope of your situation.

3. Setting Goals
Based on our discussion, we’ll start to outline the goals for your therapy. Whether you’re seeking symptom relief, personal growth, or improved relationships, setting clear goals helps provide direction for your therapeutic journey. These goals will be adjusted over time as therapy progresses.

4. Discussing the Therapeutic Approach
I use three approaches and techniques based on my experience and affinity and I apply them based on your needs and preferences:

  • talk therapy, with a focus on psychodynamic principles
  • tapping (EFT), a somatic technique that allows for laser effective intervention in emotional regulation and free association and
  • cognitive behavioral hypnotherapy, with a focus on quick and effective relaxation and/or change. 

During the discovery session, I’ll explain my therapeutic style and how I plan to use each technique to help you achieve your goals. This is also a time for you to ask questions about the therapy process and discuss any preferences or concerns you might have. Depending on where you stand regarding the techniques I use, we will decide if we are a good match or not.

5. Clarifying Logistics
The discovery session is also a time to address practical matters. This includes discussing session frequency, length, and any other logistical details. I’ll explain my policies regarding confidentiality, cancellations, and fees to ensure that you’re fully informed before we begin regular sessions.

3 Reasons Why a Discovery Session is Important

Starting therapy can be a big step, and the discovery session is designed to make this transition as smooth and comfortable as possible. Here’s why it’s important:

  • Reducing Anxiety: The first session can be intimidating, especially if you’re new to therapy. The discovery session provides a low-pressure environment where you can ask questions, express any concerns, and begin to ease into the therapeutic process.
  • Ensuring a Good Fit: Not every therapist is the right fit for every client. The discovery session allows both of us to determine whether we’re a good match. If either of us feels that the fit isn’t ideal, this is the time to discuss it openly and explore other options.
  • Laying the Foundation for Success: A well-conducted discovery session sets the stage for successful therapy. By clearly defining goals and expectations, we can begin our work together with a shared understanding and a sense of purpose.

What to Expect in Your Discovery Session

During your discovery session, you can expect a warm and welcoming environment, be it online or in person, in my office in Bucharest. I’ll listen to your story without judgment. The session typically lasts about 45 minutes and may involve some paperwork or assessments to help me better understand your situation.

You don’t need to prepare anything special for the discovery session, but it can be helpful to think about your reasons for seeking therapy and any specific goals you have in mind. This will make the session more productive and ensure that I can tailor the therapy to your needs from the very beginning.

You don’t need to make a decision at the end of the discovery session. You can take some time to think about it, and I even encourage you to do so. If you decide to continue working together, the topics discussed in this session will be revisited throughout the therapy in various forms, and you’ll always have the opportunity to explore them more deeply.

Conclusion

A discovery session is more than just an introduction—it’s the cornerstone of your therapeutic journey. By building rapport, understanding your needs, setting goals, discussing the therapeutic approach, and clarifying logistics, the discovery session sets you on a path toward meaningful and effective therapy. If you’re ready to take the first step, schedule your discovery session today and start your journey toward healing and personal growth.

*Please note that this is how I conduct my discovery sessions. Other therapists may approach the therapeutic process differently.