Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for creating dynamic session maps. The method is discussed in terms of a system implementing the method. The system generates a dynamic session map token for a packet in a communication session, wherein the dynamic session map token instructs a node to send a copy of the packet to a specified destination. The dynamic session map token includes a unique dynamic session map identifier, a port number, and an IP address associated with the specified destination. Next, the system adds the dynamic session map token to the packet to yield a tracing packet. The dynamic session map token can be incorporated into the header portion of the packet, for example. Finally, the system transmits the tracing packet to the node. In one embodiment, the system also sends the copy of the packet to the specified destination.