Let’s Talk TACTICS. The ‘How To’ Of Communication
Tracks
Harbour View 1 - In-Person Only
| Friday, November 7, 2025 |
| 9:45 AM - 10:05 AM |
Overview
Malinda Guest, Boundless Psychology
Presenter
Ms Malinda Guest
Director And Principal Clinical Psychologist
Boundless Psychology
Let’s Talk TACTICS. The ‘How To’ Of Communication
Presentation Overview
Rural communities face unique challenges, including social isolation, high stress levels, and alarmingly high suicide rates. Effective communication plays a crucial role in building connection, reducing stress and burnout, and strengthening resilience. The TACTICS framework is an evidence-based mental health initiative designed with rural workplaces and communities in mind to enhance communication, promote wellbeing, and create a shared, preventive approach to mental ill-health.
Poor communication can lead to misunderstandings, conflict, and feelings of disconnection—factors that contribute to stress, burnout, and worsening mental health outcomes. In contrast, clear and open communication strengthens relationships, encourages shared responsibility, and supports early intervention when individuals or teams are struggling.
The TACTICS framework teaches individuals and workplaces the steps to communicate effectively, providing practical tools to navigate difficult conversations, improve workplace and community dynamics, and strengthen support networks. Grounded in research and real-world application, TACTICS has been successfully implemented in rural workplaces to encourage shared care, reduce isolation, and create mentally healthier communities. TACTICS workshops have been used to provide professional development to these workplaces, focusing on retaining staff and promoting safe, sustainable working environments and overall wellbeing.
Key Outcomes of TACTICS:
• Enhanced Clarity: Messages are conveyed effectively, minimising confusion.
• Stronger Connections: Builds trust and engagement within workplaces and communities.
• Reduced Conflict and Stress: Prevents miscommunication-driven disputes and stress responses.
• Improved Collaboration: Encourages teamwork and shared problem-solving.
• Preventative Mental Health Approach: Supports early intervention and proactive wellbeing strategies.
The TACTICS workshop is highly interactive, providing a safe space for participants to practice communication strategies in real time. Through hands-on exercises and real-world scenarios, individuals gain confidence in applying the framework immediately.
By adopting TACTICS, rural communities and workplaces can enhance communication, strengthen relationships, and build a culture of connection and shared care—ultimately reducing stress, improving wellbeing, and preventing mental ill-health.
Poor communication can lead to misunderstandings, conflict, and feelings of disconnection—factors that contribute to stress, burnout, and worsening mental health outcomes. In contrast, clear and open communication strengthens relationships, encourages shared responsibility, and supports early intervention when individuals or teams are struggling.
The TACTICS framework teaches individuals and workplaces the steps to communicate effectively, providing practical tools to navigate difficult conversations, improve workplace and community dynamics, and strengthen support networks. Grounded in research and real-world application, TACTICS has been successfully implemented in rural workplaces to encourage shared care, reduce isolation, and create mentally healthier communities. TACTICS workshops have been used to provide professional development to these workplaces, focusing on retaining staff and promoting safe, sustainable working environments and overall wellbeing.
Key Outcomes of TACTICS:
• Enhanced Clarity: Messages are conveyed effectively, minimising confusion.
• Stronger Connections: Builds trust and engagement within workplaces and communities.
• Reduced Conflict and Stress: Prevents miscommunication-driven disputes and stress responses.
• Improved Collaboration: Encourages teamwork and shared problem-solving.
• Preventative Mental Health Approach: Supports early intervention and proactive wellbeing strategies.
The TACTICS workshop is highly interactive, providing a safe space for participants to practice communication strategies in real time. Through hands-on exercises and real-world scenarios, individuals gain confidence in applying the framework immediately.
By adopting TACTICS, rural communities and workplaces can enhance communication, strengthen relationships, and build a culture of connection and shared care—ultimately reducing stress, improving wellbeing, and preventing mental ill-health.
Biography
Malinda Guest, Clinical Psychologist and Director of Boundless Psychology, is committed to shaping the future of rural mental health through innovation, collaboration, and inclusive approaches. Living and working in rural Australia, she champions accessible, community-driven solutions that strengthen resilience and connection. Malinda recognises both the challenges and successes of rural living, including its impact on mental health. As the creator of Let’s Talk TACTICS, she empowers individuals with effective communication strategies for meaningful conversations. Balancing roles as a mother, wife, clinician, lecturer, mentor, and supervisor, she is dedicated to bridging gaps in mental health care, ensuring rural communities thrive.
