Episode Details

Health Coaching isn’t just for the wealthy — it’s transforming lives in some of the most unexpected places.

In this episode of HCA Talks Health, we welcome back Prof. (Dr.) Monique Marks, a clinical social worker, Health Coach, and co-director of the Bellhaven Harm Reduction Centre. Monique leads efforts to support 200 low-income clients dealing with substance use disorders, and recently launched a Health Coaching pilot in partnership with HCA — where students and graduates volunteered to provide coaching both in-person and online.

🎧 Tune in to discover:

Why Health Coaching is accessible and transformative for all communities

Life-changing stories from the Bellhaven pilot programme

How coaching supports clients with substance use disorders

The role of Health Coaches in creating equity and hope in healthcare

Inspiring lessons for coaches working with vulnerable populations

✨ Don’t miss Monique’s earlier episode on navigating difficult client emotions here: https://youtu.be/NO-Ff1XOi_4

Whether you’re a Health Coach, student, or passionate about social impact, this conversation shows how coaching can change lives where it’s needed most.

🔗 Discover more: https://www.healthcoachesacademy.com/health-wellness-podcast

⏱️ Timestamps

0:00 – Introduction and welcome back to Prof. Monique Marks
1:00 – Overview of social challenges in South Africa and substance use trends
4:00 – The harm reduction approach vs. abstinence and prohibition
6:00 – How Bellhaven Harm Reduction Centre began during COVID lockdown
8:00 – Establishing Bellhaven as a permanent centre
9:00 – The role of prohibition, stigma, and criminalisation in worsening substance use
12:00 – Opportunities for health coaches in harm reduction and life normalisation
14:00 – Barriers to treatment access and why coaching is needed
16:00 – HCA’s Rio project: Research, Innovation & Outreach
18:00 – Health coaching introduced at Bellhaven
19:00 – Selection and recruitment of volunteer health coaches
21:00 – Trauma as a driver of substance use and importance of trauma awareness
23:00 – Matching coaches with coachees and confidentiality agreements
25:00 – Extending the programme from 6 to 8 weeks
27:00 – Benefits for coaches: pro bono work, experience, and community of practice
31:00 – Shared learning and peer support within the project
33:00 – Outcomes for coachees: reconnection, nutrition, purpose, self-care
37:00 – The power of active listening and being seen
39:00 – Case story: family reconnection after years apart
40:00 – Another case: building confidence to offer community health services
41:00 – Ongoing coaching beyond the official project
42:00 – Evidence for health coaching in low-income and pro bono settings
44:00 – The value of non-judgement and common humanity in coaching
46:00 – Fragility, contradictions, and connection in the coaching space
49:00 – The need for supervision, mentorship, and peer support in health coaching
50:00 – Addressing complex emotions and social contexts in coaching
54:00 – Bio-psycho-social model and barriers to wellbeing
55:00 – Avoiding “one up / one down” and focusing on shared humanity
56:00 – Opportunities for future volunteer coaching at Bellhaven and similar centres
59:00 – Global homelessness and how health coaching can make an impact
1:00:00 – Closing reflections and invitation to explore health coaching with HCA

🌟 More from The Health Coaches Academy

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If you have a passion for health and wellbeing and would like to discover a new, rewarding career in Health & Wellness Coaching, we invite you to visit our website: https://www.healthcoachesacademy.com

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