Meet Malissa Duckworth, LCSW

Hello and welcome,

My name is Malissa Duckworth (she/her), and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the Owner and Director of Limitless Living, LLC. I am thrilled to introduce the first specialized therapy group in Memphis and the surrounding areas focused on treating OCD, anxiety spectrum disorders, trauma, and related concerns. This initiative has been a true labor of love, driven by the belief that suffering patients deserve evidence-based interventions delivered by highly skilled and compassionate clinicians.

I received a master’s degree from the University of Tennessee, earning the prestigious Chancellor’s Award for Extraordinary Professional Promise. After receiving my LCSW, I began my private practice, integrating experience from inpatient mental health, residential substance abuse, and outpatient clinics for neurodiverse populations with my passion for helping those affected by OCD and anxiety spectrum disorders. Over a decade later, I am excited to offer the highest quality treatment based upon the principles of CBT-Exposure and Response (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Habit Reversal Training, and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Tics/Tourette (CBIT). I have the privilege of participating in some of the best training nationally and internationally and bringing the latest research to the therapeutic space. I do not use a one-size-fits-all approach; rather, I believe in the power of collaborative relationships to bring about desired change. I also believe in the importance of time-limited, goal-oriented therapy as opposed to the standard “talk therapy.” To this end, I function as much as a teacher or coach as I do as a counselor.

I am currently serving as the Vice-President of the TN Affiliate Board of the International OCD Foundation. I am a member of the Anxiety and Depression Association, the International Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Foundation, the National Tourette Syndrome Association, and the Trichotillomania Learning Center. I am trained in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and am certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). Additionally, I have completed Level II training in EMDR.

As a professional with a demanding career, my struggle with contamination OCD was significantly affecting my focus and performance. I found myself locked in a constant battle with intrusive thoughts and trapped in compulsive behaviors that drained both my time and energy. Working with Malissa marked a pivotal moment in my journey. Through her use of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), I was able to confront my fears gradually, resisting the urge to give in to my compulsions. Malissa's approach struck a perfect balance between compassion and firmness, enabling me to regain control over my life and work. Now, I feel more confident, grounded, and equipped to manage my anxiety in healthier ways. I’m truly grateful for her expertise and the progress I have made with her support.

—A.R., Olive Branch