I tend to hid my emotions. Not seeing tissues would “tell me” (correct or not) that emotions are not welcome here. I would be curious to see if they were in a more obvious place the second session, maybe she didn’t expect an emotional first session.
My T has them by each chair, each end of the couch, over by his prompts/comfort items and two boxes next to him... I counted one day while avoiding eye contact. They are close by no matter where you are and always within easy reach for him to hand you one if needed (I will not take or even ask if I am scared without being offered). Even with all the boxes of tissues in T’s office they all kinda blend into their spot unless one has been left someplace odd from group or a previous client. I can see a T keeping the box next to him as a way of encouraging a client to ask him to meet a simple need but be able to offer if it backfired.