How Health Coaches Are Changing Lives | Prof. Monique Marks on Real-World Impact | HCA Talks Health

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 communitiesLife-changing stories from the Bellhaven pilot programmeHow coaching supports clients with substance use disordersThe role of Health Coaches in creating equity and hope in healthcareInspiring 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_4Whether 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⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Introduction and welcome back to Prof. Monique Marks1:00 – Overview of social challenges in South Africa and substance use trends4:00 – The harm reduction approach vs. abstinence and prohibition6:00 – How Bellhaven Harm Reduction Centre began during COVID lockdown8:00 – Establishing Bellhaven as a permanent centre9:00 – The role of prohibition, stigma, and criminalisation in worsening substance use12:00 – Opportunities for health coaches in harm reduction and life normalisation14:00 – Barriers to treatment access and why coaching is needed16:00 – HCA’s Rio project: Research, Innovation & Outreach18:00 – Health coaching introduced at Bellhaven19:00 – Selection and recruitment of volunteer health coaches21:00 – Trauma as a driver of substance use and importance of trauma awareness23:00 – Matching coaches with coachees and confidentiality agreements25:00 – Extending the programme from 6 to 8 weeks27:00 – Benefits for coaches: pro bono work, experience, and community of practice31:00 – Shared learning and peer support within the project33:00 – Outcomes for coachees: reconnection, nutrition, purpose, self-care37:00 – The power of active listening and being seen39:00 – Case story: family reconnection after years apart40:00 – Another case: building confidence to offer community health services41:00 – Ongoing coaching beyond the official project42:00 – Evidence for health coaching in low-income and pro bono settings44:00 – The value of non-judgement and common humanity in coaching46:00 – Fragility, contradictions, and connection in the coaching space49:00 – The need for supervision, mentorship, and peer support in health coaching50:00 – Addressing complex emotions and social contexts in coaching54:00 – Bio-psycho-social model and barriers to wellbeing55:00 – Avoiding “one up / one down” and focusing on shared humanity56:00 – Opportunities for future volunteer coaching at Bellhaven and similar centres59:00 – Global homelessness and how health coaching can make an impact1:00:00 – Closing reflections and invitation to explore health coaching with HCA🌟 More from The Health Coaches AcademyFollow HCA on Instagram: @healthcoachesacademyIf 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🎙 Subscribe and ReviewIf you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe to our YouTube Channel and leave a review!Your supp