Annandale
Photo of Allison Gasca-Backman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPH
Allison Gasca-Backman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPH
Email Me
(703) 991-8952 Call Me
(703) 991-8952 Call Me
or
Email Me
Photo of Allison Gasca-Backman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPH

Allison Gasca-Backman

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPH (she, her)

Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today
4 Endorsed
Call Me
Let's Connect (703) 991-8952
Photo of Allison Gasca-Backman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPH
Available online only
Annandale, VA 22003
My website
Hi! I'm Allison, a licensed clinical social worker who helps high-achieving adults untangle the painful narratives that fuel perfectionism, self-blame, and body shame. Many of my clients feel stuck in a cycle of striving—pushing for the next achievement, diet, or milestone—only to find that peace remains elusive. You might be balancing demanding roles at work and home while silently battling anxiety, disordered eating, or burnout, unsure how to break free. If you’ve ever felt like you’re not enough no matter how hard you try, I’m here to help you reclaim your sense of worth and move toward a more fulfilling, self-compassionate life.
I specialize in working with people who are tired of living under the unrealistic ideals of Diet Culture, White Supremacy, and oppressive societal expectations. Together, we’ll explore the roots of these struggles—whether from early-life trauma, cultural oppression, or identity-based stress—and work to reclaim your self-worth and authentic identity.
Using approaches like EMDR, parts work, Polyvagal Theory, and Narrative Therapy, I’ll guide you in processing trauma, building self-compassion, and shifting your relationship with your emotions and body. My goal is to support you in letting go of harmful messages and reconnecting with your inherent worth. Because your body—and value—were never the problem.
Call or Allison Gasca-Backman now for a free 15 minute consultation - (703) 991-8952

My Practice at a Glance

Available online only

Brown Dog Therapy and Wellness

Annandale, VA 22003

(703) 991-8952
My website
I see clients virtually through my private practice, Brown Dog Therapy and Wellness. Please check out my website to learn more about me.
I specialize in Trauma and PTSD, Grief and Health At Every Size 
$180 Per Session  
Individual one-on-one therapy 
I look forward to helping you to unlearn some of the belief systems that were never yours to carry. Your body was never the problem.
Allison Gasca-Backman
Let's Connect (703) 991-8952
Photo of Allison Gasca-Backman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPH

My Practice at a Glance

Available online only

Brown Dog Therapy and Wellness

Annandale, VA 22003

(703) 991-8952
My website
I see clients virtually through my private practice, Brown Dog Therapy and Wellness. Please check out my website to learn more about me.
I specialize in Trauma and PTSD, Grief and Health At Every Size 
$180 Per Session  
Individual one-on-one therapy 
I look forward to helping you to unlearn some of the belief systems that were never yours to carry. Your body was never the problem.
Allison Gasca-Backman

Finances

Fees

  • Individual Sessions $180
  • Sliding scale: apply if you may be eligible

Payment Methods

American Express, Health Savings Account, Mastercard, Visa

Insurance

  • Out of Network
"
I will no longer be accepting insurance for payments but am happy to assist you with submitting out-of-network claims using a Superbill, which I can provide. Session fees are between $160 and $190 per hour, with sliding-scale availability on a limited basis.
Photo of Allison Gasca-Backman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPH
Allison Gasca-Backman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPH
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (703) 991-8952
"
I will no longer be accepting insurance for payments but am happy to assist you with submitting out-of-network claims using a Superbill, which I can provide. Session fees are between $160 and $190 per hour, with sliding-scale availability on a limited basis.
Photo of Allison Gasca-Backman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPH
Allison Gasca-Backman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPH
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (703) 991-8952

Qualifications

  • Verified by Psychology Today Licensed by State of Massachusetts / LICSW1120624 Allison Gasca-Backman
    License state differs from primary location state.

    • Education and Years In Practice

  • In Practice for 8 years
  • Attended Boston University School of Social Work, Master's in Social Work, Graduated 2017

    • Additional Credentials

  • Degree/Diploma from Boston University School of Public Health Master's in Public Health / 2018
"
I have over 15 years of experience helping adults, teens, and families who struggle with trauma, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety. I am trained in EMDR therapy, as well as DBT and CBT. I practice from a Health At Every Size and fat-positive lens. I am also licensed in Virginia and Maryland.
Photo of Allison Gasca-Backman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPH
Allison Gasca-Backman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPH
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (703) 991-8952
"
I have over 15 years of experience helping adults, teens, and families who struggle with trauma, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety. I am trained in EMDR therapy, as well as DBT and CBT. I practice from a Health At Every Size and fat-positive lens. I am also licensed in Virginia and Maryland.
Photo of Allison Gasca-Backman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPH
Allison Gasca-Backman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPH
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (703) 991-8952

Specialties and Expertise

Top Specialties

  • Trauma and PTSD
  • Grief
  • Health At Every Size

Expertise

  • Anxiety
  • Body Image
  • Chronic Illness
  • Depression
  • Eating Disorders
  • Identity Exploration
  • LGBTQ+
  • Mood Disorders
  • Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
  • Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum
  • Racial Identity
  • Relationship Issues
  • Self Esteem
  • Self-Harming
  • Women's Issues
"
I work from an anti-oppressive lens and will help you to identify belief systems (White Supremacy, Diet Culture, misogyny, heteronormativity, etc.) and patterns that have kept you stuck and made you feel like you needed to be fixed. In our work together, I will help you to identify these patterns and stories so that we can begin re-writing them together. Your body was never the problem.
Photo of Allison Gasca-Backman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPH
Allison Gasca-Backman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPH
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (703) 991-8952
"
I work from an anti-oppressive lens and will help you to identify belief systems (White Supremacy, Diet Culture, misogyny, heteronormativity, etc.) and patterns that have kept you stuck and made you feel like you needed to be fixed. In our work together, I will help you to identify these patterns and stories so that we can begin re-writing them together. Your body was never the problem.
Photo of Allison Gasca-Backman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPH
Allison Gasca-Backman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPH
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (703) 991-8952

4 Endorsements

Amy Taddeo Jimenez
Amy Taddeo Jimenez
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Allison is a phenomenal clinician with particular expertise in her trauma work with adults. I have witnessed many clients make great strides toward healing with her support. Her values of client safety and mutual respect shine through in every interaction.
Carissa L Strohecker Hannum
Carissa L Strohecker Hannum
Counselor, MA, LCPC, LPC, CCTP
Allison is a wonderful clinician and I feel priviledged to have been able to share clients with her. Allision is warm, empathetic, and compassionate. I trust the care my clients are recieving with her.
Nicole Cathell
Nicole Cathell
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Cassidy Figueredo
Cassidy Figueredo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MPH, PMH-C
Allison's commitment to personhood, empathy, and justice are such valuable assets to her clinical practice. She has an amazing ability to create a cozy, safe, nonjudgmental space for people in her life and in the therapeutic environment.

Client Focus

Age

Adults

Participants

Individuals

Communities

Queer Allied , 
Racial Justice Allied

Age

Adults

Participants

Individuals

Communities

Queer Allied , 
Racial Justice Allied

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

  • Attachment-based
  • Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
  • Compassion Focused
  • Culturally Sensitive
  • Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
  • EMDR
  • Feminist
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Multicultural
  • Narrative
  • Relational
  • Strength-Based
  • Trauma Focused
"
Our first session will involve an intake, during which we will identify goals and concerns that you would like to address. I will suggest therapeutic methods and strategies that we can use as we work together, so that you can begin to start feeling some relief. Our sessions are a safe place for you to laugh, cry, and show up with vulnerability, and I promise that I will meet you with compassion.
Photo of Allison Gasca-Backman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPH
Allison Gasca-Backman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPH
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (703) 991-8952
"
Our first session will involve an intake, during which we will identify goals and concerns that you would like to address. I will suggest therapeutic methods and strategies that we can use as we work together, so that you can begin to start feeling some relief. Our sessions are a safe place for you to laugh, cry, and show up with vulnerability, and I promise that I will meet you with compassion.
Photo of Allison Gasca-Backman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPH
Allison Gasca-Backman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPH
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (703) 991-8952

Groups

Unlearning Diet Culture and Trauma (virtual group)

Photo of Allison Gasca-Backman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPH
Hosted by
Allison Gasca-Backman

This group supports individuals in divesting from dieting and disordered eating while exploring the impact of Diet Culture on their lives. Together, we will unpack harmful cultural expectations, create space for healing, and grieve the parts of our lives affected by these pressures. The group offers a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive approach to reclaiming a healthier relationship with food, body, and self. NOTE: at this time, the group is not running while I am gathering interest. When at least three individuals are ready to enroll, we will begin running group. Group members must be situated in Virginia or Maryland.

Expertise

Eating Disorders
Grief
Trauma and PTSD

Types of Therapy

Trauma Focused

Age

Adults

Session Cost

$50+
Email Allison Gasca-Backman about this group or call - (703) 991-8952

Location

Primary Location

Brown Dog Therapy and Wellness

Annandale, VA 22003

(703) 991-8952

Email Me

My website

Nearby Areas

Cities

Counties

Zips

"
I see clients virtually through my private practice, Brown Dog Therapy and Wellness. Please check out my website to learn more about me.
Photo of Allison Gasca-Backman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPH
Allison Gasca-Backman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPH
Call for a free consultation now - (703) 991-8952
"
I see clients virtually through my private practice, Brown Dog Therapy and Wellness. Please check out my website to learn more about me.
Photo of Allison Gasca-Backman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPH
Allison Gasca-Backman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPH
Call for a free consultation now - (703) 991-8952