Meet Luke Rex Psy.D. | Psychologist and Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Luke Rex Psy.D. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Luke, how do you think about risk?
When I contemplate “risk,” I think about the interplay between regret, opportunity, and the courage required to step into fear in order to accomplish something meaningful. In 2005, after having pursued an acting career for 10 years, I found myself working in a sales job. I had just turned 30, and the late nights working at cocktail bars as a bartender since graduating from acting school had lost its lustre. Then, I received word from the US government that I had won a Greencard in the Diversity Visa Lottery. Dilemma. Do I stay in my newfound sales career (which I enjoyed) or do I take the risk to venture back to New York City and give the acting career another shot? What propelled my decision to take the risk and uproot my life from Sydney, Australia to the US in 2006 was a contemplative process. I weighed the prospects: in five years, would I be thriving in this stable sales job, or would I embrace the uncertainty of New York City and its infinite possibilities? What was assured, I realized, was the haunting specter of regret. I envisioned myself in that same sales job, pondering, “What if I had taken the leap?”

Fast forward to 2011. Three years into my Los Angeles stint, my acting aspirations hadn’t materialized as envisaged. The glittering promise of starring alongside Robert De Niro or Meryl Streep in the Big Apple remained elusive. Now I was in a different sort of dilemma: Do I take the risk and go back to school to finish the undergraduate degree I had earlier dropped out of, or do I continue to push with unwavering belief that ‘some day’ I will “make it as an actor?” Once again, I was averse to nursing regrets. The certainty lay in obtaining my undergraduate diploma if I chose to return to school.

As I fast-forward to 2022, I find myself holding a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the age of 47, a milestone achieved seventeen years after deliberating whether to leave Australia to pursue a prominent acting career. After completing my doctorate, I sensed an inner call to challenge myself yet again, prompting me to embark on another risk-taking endeavor. This time, I decided to invest my time, energy, and resources into directing a short film. Embracing the courage necessary to dive into directing, writing, producing, co-composing, and acting with unabashed determination, I ventured into uncharted creative territory. Six months into our festival circuit, the short film has garnered 50 Official Selections and over 20 wins and nominations across directing, acting, and cinematography categories. I’m stoked.

Reflecting on the past two decades, I’ve come to recognize more vividly the risks that emerged whenever I confronted pivotal choices necessary for leading a fulfilling life. These risks weren’t just decisions; they were challenges that prodded my psyche, urging me to think lucidly, embrace vulnerability, and seize the opportunities at hand. Such risks, I’ve come to realize, are an intrinsic part of life’s rich tapestry, shaping our paths and prompting us to embrace transformative chances.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When I was doing my undergard at UCLA, I began to facilitate psychodrama groups at intensive outpatient and residential treatment settings for adolescents and adults struggling with addiction and dual diagnosis. This experience birthed over 4000 facilitated groups, and presently, I maintain a group for women in recovery. Merging my background in acting with newfound psychology insights to create experiential-action-method groups has been immensely fulfilling. I’m also proud of the work I do as a family therapist to the current youth I support.

One of the most rewarding endeavors was crafting the short film “Bonding.” Drawing from the determination honed during my dissertation, I dived into the process, establishing ‘9 Lives Entertainment,’ handling all production aspects from location scouting to casting and more. The end result is a source of immense pride, especially after receiving the Outstanding Proof of Concept award at Pitch to Screen Film Festival in New York. The film surpassed expectations, securing multiple awards and nominations across various categories. Collaborating on the music was an enriching experience, seeing the project evolve from an idea to a finished product was truly fantastic. The accolades are validating, but the connections made with fellow filmmakers at festivals have been equally gratifying.

The truth is, I really don’t know where I’ll end up professionally. And I’m ok with that. I harbor multiple ideas and aspirations. Whether it involves creating more films, establishing a treatment center, directing mental health-oriented plays for teens, consulting in the entertainment industry, or a fusion of these paths, I eagerly anticipate what lies ahead. Our society often imposes undue pressure on us, especially the youth, to conform to predefined career paths, to know what we’re supposed to do and where we’re supposed to be going. I’m most proud and excited about continuing to follow that aliveness in me that says, if I can say – in the words of the Mandalorian People – “this is the way.” I believe we each have that voice within us that speaks to us in those times we are in fact where we need to be – and not because society says we should be there, or our family or friends. We recognize the truth of the moment because there is no where else we’d rather be.

In essence, my journey is a fusion of psychology and filmmaking, driven by a quest to align with that profound sense of purpose and passion. The lessons learned have taught me the significance of embracing uncertainty, being open to diverse opportunities, and valuing the journey as much as the destination. My story emphasizes the empowerment of following that inner calling, navigating a career that resonates deeply within while making a positive impact on the lives I touch.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As my good friend back in Australia, David Olivetti once said, “There’s a lot of gold in them hills.” He was right. LA is not the type of city that hits you with an immediacy of excitement, say like NYC. But “if you search for it, joy will come.” And it comes in a variety of places and multitudinous sources. The best thing about Los Angeles – is California.

If I had a friend come visit, we’d be taking a drive up the 1, side-saddling the beautiful Pacific, and then shoot inland to Ojai. What a majestical place that is! Less than 90 mins from Hollywood, the vibration is utterly palpable when you enter its aura. Mountains running at different latitudes delivering the famous pink sunsets.

For the best burger in town, you cannot go past The Edmon at The Old Hollywood Historic Hotel. Nestled between a billion dollar film industry in Paramount Pictures and Netflix – walking distance to the west on Melrose, Hancock Park and Old Hollywood to the south, and working class Hispanic neighborhoods to the east, I can’t think of a more unique area of LA that embodies such polarizing economic geography within short distances from one another. While you’re having your unforgettable burger, order one of their seasonal cocktails in the charming art deco 1930s style bar. Truly, a gem in LA!

Take the 10 over to Santa Monica and revel in the jammed traffic. Who cares?! Your friend is in town and it’s only good times from here on in. Venture to the pier, walk along the sandy foreshore, grab some oysters and chill at one of the luxury hotel lobbies for a refreshing beer on draft or treat yourself to another cocktail. You’ll pay the price but inflation won’t spoil your mood this week.

Hike to the Observatory, have a pink hotdog, walk the Hollywood walk of fame (okay, you did it), cruise on over to Silver Lake and enjoy a great meal at Cafe Stella or glass of wine. Hike up to the Observatory and drive through the hills. Take a long, windy drive along Mulholland and stop by the spot Jim Carey manifested his future from. Check out a film in Hollywood Forever Cemetery, take a yoga class on Larchmont and a slice of Pizza from Village Pizzeria. If you’re feeling more healthy, walk down to Cafe Gratitude and revel in being addressed by the waiters by the name of your affirmation beverage. Eat fresh wholesomeness and enjoy.

We’d also have to drive out to Joshua Tree and stay at the Geodesic Dome house by Corey Lynn Calter. Phenomenal.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My father. He is 89 this January the 1st. Big shout out to him back in Sydney, Australia. He suffered a stroke 4 years ago which has affected his mobility. An active man who once traveled around the world on a Lambretta motorcycle back in the late 50s, we were all saddened to see this turn of events. Thankfully, his wit has been preserved. Back in 2011, Dad encouraged me to return to Australia and finish my university degree. He wrote me an old-fashioned letter – remember pen and paper? In his letter, he appealed to my inner wisdom to make some tough decisions and take the risk to alter my life trajectory. This started the ball rolling in me returning to school, culminating in earning a doctorate degree in clinical psychology. Funnily enough, it also resulted in my return to acting and filmmaking, where I interestingly play a character who is a clinical/forensic psychologist!

Also, a big shout out to Jean Bernard Rutagarama, a friend and fellow filmmaker I met in NY whose kindness and generosity has been unwavering. JB encouraged me to venture out to LA! Thanks JB!

Website: https://9livesentertainment.net/

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/9LivesEntertain

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Image Credits
Tux photo credit: Dami Olagesin