CAPS currently has two cats on the therapy team, Piper and Boogs Posted Thursday, April 26, 2018 @ 6:09 PM Every student knows stress all too well around final exam time. A combination of ‘Adulting’, final projects, exams and everything in-between, many students find themselves desperate for some stress alleviation. Luckily, the informed student knows just which outlets to go to, including the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) office. A year since its inception, CAPS’s “Purrfectly Stress Free” event invites students to destress through feline bonding. In an effort to provide therapeutic service and destigmatize counseling in general, CAPS welcomes all students. The last feline-friendly event of the semester occurred this past Wednesday, April 18th. Just like us, these furry friends desire love and attention. As students arrive at the CAPS building, they are directed towards a table where they sign a short consent form detailing the animal assisted service provided and asked to wait as the rooms are being turned over. Whilst waiting, students can take photos at the photo booth holding fun cat props or the #CAPSPURRS hashtag frame. Students are welcome to make cat ear headbands and are encouraged to grab some freebies. As the group approaches the therapy room, they are greeted at the door by one of the therapy cats. Low-lighting, spa music and a gentle cool breeze relaxes participants and creates an environment of comfort and belonging. Benefits of animal-assisted therapy include elevating moods as well as reducing stress and anxiety. Petting an animal and the positive human-animal interaction can create a soothing and calming effect on the individual. Upon entering the surreal space littered with a variety of toys, students are allowed to pet, hold and play with the cats; simply being in the presence of these majestic animals has stress relieving effects. The experience is extremely delightful and one student was overheard saying “that was so tranquil and beautiful” as he exited the room. Thereafter, students are asked to fill out a short survey, to which they receive a smoothie and stickers. CAPS currently has two cats on the therapy team, Piper and Boogs, but are recruiting and invites interested students to contact CAPS clinical staff members Christine Dassow or Roselynn Garcia-Almonte for more information. Occurring twice a semester, the “Purrfectly Stress Free” event leaves everyone who participates feeling warm and fuzzy inside, which is especially useful as semester deadlines approach and your environment is seemingly hectic. PRO TIP: both Piper and Boogs prefer to be held like a baby and if you’d like some extra cat attention, bring kitty treats! Like Tweet Share < Back to News