New Guild member and psychotherapist, Susan Black Allen has released her debut book of poetry – some are in free verse, some in more traditional structures.

Allen’s wit and emotional passion fill her gems. She covers many topics --- nature, sex and relationships, pets, her losses, and moments of pleasure. Other times, she seems to see and feel the world as others do --- some of whom may have been patients of hers.

Many of the poems caused me to ponder matters more deeply. Others made me feel surprising emotions. The poems are to be cherished and enjoy over and over. I highly recommend this book if you like poetry or even if you don’t.

Allen’s first poetry collection, The Best Sex I Never Had: Secrets and Solace of a Psychotherapist, was published by Legacy Publications in 2025. She has published essays and poems on mental health and parenting in The Boston Sunday Globe Magazine, for the non-profit, "This is My Brave," and in The San Diego Poetry Annual.

A Boston transplant, San Diego is now one of the top loves of her life. Allen is rather fond of her daughter Emmy, and fiancé Mark, too.