West Caldwell's Kathy Lutz Selected as a "Favorite Kids Doc" by New Jersey Family Magazine

by Carolyne Volpe Curley / Carolyne@WestEssexNOW.com
Published 11:37am

Kathy Lutz with Belle Credit: Kathy Lutz

WEST CALDWELL, NJ - New Jersey Family magazine recently asked its readers to select their favorite doctors in all practices and Kathy Lutz, of West Caldwell, was nominated by her patients as their favorite pediatric psychotherapist. As part of her practice, Lutz has been a Therapeutic Riding Instructor for over ten years at Rocking Horse Rehab, a family wellness center which specializes in equine-assisted therapy for children, adolescents and adults who are experiencing various special needs such as high functioning autism, anxiety, mood disorders and depression. The Rocking Horse Rehab is in West Orange on the grounds of the Essex Equestrian Center.  

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Credit: Kathy Lutz

This is the second year Lutz has received the honor. As a psychotherapist, Lutz is a licensed clinical social worker.

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"I teach social skills and mood regulation skills," Lutz explained. 
"The horse gives clients feedback about their behavior in a non-judgmental way, offering clients the opportunity to practice 
relationship skills while working with the horse. 
It's great for those who don't like traditional therapy, 
for those who don't want to sit in an office and just talk. 
Instead, some people enjoy relating to the horses and being active during our therapeutic sessions. Our work is done both on the ground, 
like grooming a horse in the barn, and in riding sessions as well."

Kathy Lutz with Queboy Credit: Kathy Lutz

Lutz stated that the horses are part of the treatment team; they help people to learn how to manage their behaviors in a more socially constructive way.

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Credit: Kathy Lutz

Lutz calls Small Fry the "star of the barn" and her "best buddy."

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• "Hillcrest Farms, in Verona, has generously supported 
  the Sensory Garden at Rocking Horse Rehab," Lutz expressed. 
  "The owner, Pat, donated the plants we needed to start the garden 
  and has since provided the mulch 
  to keep the garden beautiful for our families to enjoy. 
  We are very grateful for his on-going support."

Credit: Kathy Lutz

A chalk message inside the Rocking Horse Rehab barn reads:

• Hungry ~ Eat something
  
• Angry ~ Hit something
  
• Lonely ~ Speak Up
  
• Tired ~ Rest
  
• Sick ~ Medicate

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Lutz works with all ages and she also has a private practice in Montclair where she specializes in drug and alcohol treatment and treating people with Aspergers.

Further Information 
Kathy Lutz, LCSW
201-836-0303

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