You've picked up the phone several times to call, but put it down. Or maybe you wrote an email but didn't press send. It's perfectly normal. The moment you decide to ask for help is an act of courage, but it comes with a natural question that can cause anxiety: How does the first session with a psychologist go?

You are not alone in this uncertainty. Most patients who cross the threshold of my office in the central area of Iași (near Palas Campus) tell me that their biggest emotions were not related to their problems, but to the unknown of the first meeting. I will explain step by step what happens in those 50 minutes, to transform fear into a state of safety and confidence.

Why is the first session different?

The first meeting is not an interrogation and you don't have to come with "homework done". This is, in essence, an introductory and evaluation session.

Think of it as a free discussion between two people trying to see if they can make a good team together. In psychotherapy, the relationship between client and therapist – often called the "therapeutic alliance" – is the most important factor in healing.

My goal, as a systemic psychotherapist, is not to judge you or label you from the first minutes, but to understand your life context. I want to find out what hurts you, what weighs on you, and what resources you already have within you to regain that inner security and autonomy that you desire.

Step by step: What exactly happens in the office?

To dismantle the myths that create anxiety, here is the concrete structure of the first visit:

  1. Safety framework and confidentiality: As soon as we sit down, the first thing we will discuss is the legal and ethical framework. You will learn that everything we discuss remains strictly confidential. Confidentiality is an absolute priority in psychotherapy, whether we meet physically in the office or you choose online therapy through secure platforms. This step is essential to create a "safe space" where your vulnerability is protected.
  1. The opening question: "What brings you here?": There is no wrong answer to this question. You can say "I feel overwhelmed", "I have relationship problems" or simply "I don't feel well and I don't know why". My role is to guide you with helpful questions if you get stuck.
  1. Brief history (Anamnesis): We will discuss a little about your current context: family, job, important relationships. In systemic therapy, we don't view you in isolation, but as part of a whole. Your symptoms (anxiety, insomnia, sadness) often make sense in the context of your relationships.
  1. Setting expectations and administrative framework: Towards the end, we will discuss practical aspects:
  • Duration: The standard session lasts 50 minutes.
  • Frequency: Usually, we meet once a week.
  • Costs: Transparency is key. The fee for an individual session is 220 RON.

Answers to your biggest fears

I know your mind can create scenarios. Let's dismantle the most common ones:

  • "What if I start crying?": Crying is a release, not a weakness. The office is the place where your emotions are validated, not repressed. You are allowed to cry, be angry, or be silent.
  • "What if I don't know what to say?": It's not your responsibility to maintain the conversation. I am there to ask the right questions to help you organize your thoughts.
  • "Will you judge me?": Psychotherapists are trained to listen with empathy and neutrality. Whatever you tell me is viewed through the lens of human suffering and the desire for healing, not through the lens of criticism.

The major benefit of the first session is not the instant resolution of all problems, but relief. Most patients leave with the feeling that "finally, someone listened to me and understood me". It is the first step towards transforming anxiety from an enemy into an ally.

Are you ready to take the first step?

Now that you know how the first session with a psychologist goes, the unknown doesn't seem so scary anymore, does it? Healing begins with understanding, and you have already taken the first step by informing yourself.

Whether you are in Iași and can reach my office in the Sfântu Lazăr / Palas area, or you are in the diaspora and prefer online therapy, I am here to listen to you.

Don't postpone your well-being any longer. Schedule an introductory session now and let's begin your journey towards balance.