What to Expect in Your First In-Person Therapy Session in Paris, TX
So—you’ve finally decided to give therapy a shot. That’s huge! Whether it’s anxiety, burnout, relationship struggles, or the all-too-familiar feeling of carrying everything for everyone—you’re not alone. And if you’re looking for counseling in Paris, TX, I’m so glad you’re here. This small Texas town might just be the perfect place to start untangling what’s weighing you down.
I’m Kristy Lane, a counselor in Paris, Texas, and founder of Therapy Season. I work with people who are trying to find themselves again after years of being there for everyone else. That includes tired moms, overwhelmed couples, and individuals sorting through grief, perfectionism, parenting stress, or those big, quiet questions that show up in midlife: Who even am I anymore?
If you’re feeling hesitant or unsure about what therapy will be like, let me walk you through what to expect during your first in-person session at my office in Paris, TX.
1. A Warm Welcome—Not a Cold Waiting Room
Let’s start with the vibe.
You won’t walk into a sterile, clinical space that smells like hand sanitizer and feels like you’re waiting for a root canal. My office is intentionally designed to feel like a cozy living room—soft lighting, comfy chairs and sofa, calm-yet happy-colors, and fuzzy pillows.
It’s tucked just off Lamar Avenue, close to downtown Paris, and right around the corner from my favorite local spot, Paris Coffee Co. (Fair warning: I may show up with a Shaken in hand.)
When you walk through the door, I want you to breathe a little easier. You’re not here to be judged. You’re here to be heard.
2. A Slower Pace, Just Like Life in Paris
One of my favorite things about doing therapy here in Paris, Texas? The pace.
We’re not about rushing through your story so we can check a box. Small-town life moves slower, and so does therapy at Therapy Season. Our time together isn’t about “fixing” you—it’s about giving you space to pause, reflect, and actually feel.
If it’s been a long time since someone listened—really listened—without interrupting, advising, or comparing? Get ready. That kind of presence can be powerful.
3. You Don’t Need to Have It All Figured Out
Seriously. You don’t need a diagnosis, a polished explanation, or a list of goals.
Just come as you are.
Maybe you’re a parent navigating the unpredictability of raising a neurodiverse child—or walking through the lonely, invisible terrain of parenting a child with PANDAS/PANS. Maybe you’re entering an empty nest season and wondering what’s left for you. Or maybe you’re just feeling...off. Not broken. Just not yourself.
Wherever you are, that’s where we begin.
4. No Therapy Jargon. Just Real Talk.
Let’s skip the therapy clichés and get to the heart of it. I’m not going to nod and ask, “And how does that make you feel?” in a textbook tone. That’s not me.
We’ll talk about what’s real—in your language. I’ll offer tools that actually work in your life. Not the kind you have to download an app for and never use.
I believe therapy should be practical, honest, and not perfect. Just like real life.
5. Therapy That Feels Like a Partnership
Here’s the thing—I’m not the expert on you. You are.
What I bring to the table is both professional training and lived experience. I’m an LMFT Associate, supervised by Dr. Rachel Falbo, and a mom of four—including two kids with PANDAS. I’ve lived through the chaos of raising a big family (no really, at one point we had three foster children along with our three biological children), managing oh-so-many meltdowns, trusting my gut when it matters most, and learning how to become a fierce advocate for my children when they needed it most.
I know what it’s like to feel stretched too thin and still have more to give.
So when we work together, it’s collaborative. We’ll explore what’s really going on beneath the surface, and I’ll help you build tools and strategies that fit into your daily rhythm—not someone else’s idea of perfect.
6. Therapy Rooted in Real Life
Having lived in Paris, TX for over ten years, I get it.
The school drop-offs, the sports schedules, the grocery runs that always take longer than planned. I’ve sat in the bleachers at baseball games and stood in line at Walmart just like you. My work is grounded in the real-life experiences of families in this town—not abstract theories.
When you come to Therapy Season, you’re not just another appointment. You’re a neighbor. And that means something here.
7. Your First Session: What Actually Happens?
After introductions, we’ll talk about what brought you here and what you’re hoping to get out of our time together. I may ask a few questions about your background or current stressors—but there’s no pressure to share more than you’re ready for. I will have also gone through your completed paperwork to make the most out of our time together.
There’s room for laughter, tears, awkward pauses, and everything in between. I know opening up can be uncomfortable, especially during our first session together. I’ve heard comments like “you must think I’m crazy” or “I’m so embarrassed to say this…” but please trust me when I say, as a therapist, I’ve heard it all! And there is no judgment here. You’re human with real stories and valid feelings and I’m here for it.
You don’t need to impress me. You just need to be you.
8. You’re Allowed to Take Up Space
This is your hour. Your story. Your healing.
I know how easy it is to lose yourself in the needs of others—your kids, your partner, your job, your community. But here, in this room, you are the priority.
That’s not selfish. That’s essential.
Ready to Begin?
If you’ve been searching for counseling in Paris TX, wondering if there’s a therapist here who will actually get it—you found her. I’m Kristy Lane, and I’d be honored to walk with you through whatever season you’re in.
You don’t have to fix it all today. You just have to show up. And I’ll meet you there.
Let’s make space for healing, together.
