Meet Our Award- Winning Senior Trial Attorney, Mark Kochanowicz
There are just some things only a dog can understand — same with a cat, or a horse, or a bird, for that matter. That’s the idea behind animal- assisted therapy (AAT), a treatment designed to help those with mental and physical challenges. AAT may look like snuggling and playing with animals, but it's much more involved than you may think. What is AAT? AAT relies on an innate human need to connect with animals. The idea is that humans form bonds with living things, and this connection can have a calming effect on our minds. Physical therapy and massage therapy involve tangible actions on the part of the therapist, while AAT relies on the relationship between a human and an animal. This could help someone cope with grief, lessen a medical patient’s pain related to chemotherapy or surgery, provide connection to residents in long-term care facilities, or even offer exercise for those with limited mobility. Aren’t those just emotional support animals? In recent years, emotional support animals have become increasingly popular both in the media and in their use. Emotional support animals offer their owners vital emotional assistance, but they differ greatly from trained therapy animals. IS ANIMAL THERAPY RIGHT FOR YOU? Your Guide to AAT
Here at Cellino Law, we are proud that many of our attorneys have received recognition for their excellent work. In addition to being named a Super Lawyers Rising Star for three years running, Senior Trial Attorney Mark Kochanowicz was recently given the New Leaders in Law award from the Connecticut Law Tribune. Mark is licensed here in New York and in his home state of Connecticut, and he also tries cases at the federal district court.
Mark says it’s no surprise he ended up working in law. “I knew I should be a lawyer for a long time. My parents said, “You’re so argumentative, you should either be a priest or a lawyer,” he jokes. His father was a big influence on him and an early supporter of his inclination to ask questions and debate. His parents immigrated to the U.S. in the 1980s as political refugees from Poland during the Solidarity movement. His father was politically engaged and taught Mark to be civic-minded and how to understand the issues of the day. “I’m eternally grateful for that,” he says. Mark brings 10 years of trial experience in state and federal courts and says working as a personal injury attorney is especially rewarding because he helps individuals deal with their difficult circumstances and loss by getting them the compensation they deserve. Here’s what Mark’s recent client, Megan, had to say about him: “I would highly recommend Mark Kochanowicz for any personal injury cases. He was very thorough, kept me informed, and was able to provide me with the best possible outcome. He was very easy to reach if I had any questions and would always call to check up on my recovery, as well as keep me updated on the progress of my case. I felt very valued with Mark as my attorney, and he made this whole process much more bearable for me, knowing that he was dedicated to working on my case.” Outside of work, Mark’s three little boys — ages 1, 3, and 4 1/2 — and his wife keep him very busy. He is also devoted to CrossFit and watching the New England Patriots, even if that makes him unpopular with his fellow New Yorkers. Mark’s looking forward to launching model rockets in the park with his boys this summer and obliging his wife by taking trips to the beach.
AAT requires the use of a trained animal under the direction of a handler, who will also coordinate with medical professionals to ensure the strategies that they deploy will target what a patient needs. Prior to practicing, trainers and their animals must each pass certification processes intended to help each party gain the skills needed to help patients. To qualify, animals also need to be clean and vaccinated, and the type of animal that is used during AAT also depends on a person’s condition, the location of the therapy, and a patient’s need. Is AAT right for you? AAT isn’t for everyone, but it can be a vital component of your healing process. It’s often seen as a supplemental form of therapy intended to bolster other therapies. The important thing to remember when considering AAT is to establish reasonable goals. Discuss the possibility of using AAT with your doctor or therapist and consider which animals may bring you the most comfort. Be realistic about what you want and need before attempting AAT.
2 CELLINOLAW.COM
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