This issue kicks off the New Year with insightful editorial and a fresh look for Massage & Bodywork. We’re delighted to have you with us on this adventure.

Published by Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP), we’re here for you whether you practice part time or full time, as an employee, an independent practitioner, or both. We travel extensively throughout the year to make sure we’re meeting your needs. From the American Massage Conference to the International Spa Association, we’re in touch with the keenest minds and cutting-edge techniques and products—all for you!

Throughout 2012, we’ll present a broad variety of features to help inspire and empower you as a professional. We’re proud of our collection of columnists who share their knowledge and help strengthen your skills, and this year we welcome Whitney Lowe to that esteemed group. Whitney’s @Work column and Thomas Myers’s BodyReading the Meridians series are enhanced with free webinars for you on ABMP.com. Past webinars and previous issues are digitally archived for you there, too.

This particular magazine is brimming with wisdom about communicating with your clients; soaking up these pages will help you in your conversations and in your sessions. Your clients want to connect with you. You already know how to reach them through your fingertips, but a brief conversation before each session, and a few words during, can ensure positive, therapeutic experiences. From the very first impression and throughout a lasting relationship, you’ll be able to craft your messaging to better engage with loyal and prospective clients.

I invite you to communicate with us after you turn these pages. How do you feel about our newly polished design? What else would you like to see in our editorial lineup? Send me an email at leslie@abmp.com. I’m eager to hear your thoughts.

Happy New Year! Let’s make this one the best yet.

Leslie A. Young, Editor in Chief                  

leslie@abmp.com