Nourish, TCU’s support group for students struggling with food and body image, has relaunched this month. Nourish had previously gone dormant when many active members graduated.
The seeds of Nourish were planted at Texas Christian University in the spring of 2020 when two students recognized the pressing need for a supportive space centered around improving one’s relationship with food and body image. Now, as this support group is under the guidance of Psychologist and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist Dr. Amanda Swartz and Counselor Dr. Lindsey Tardif, at the Counseling and Mental Health Center, Nourish stands as a vital resource for students seeking connection and understanding.
The founders of this group, who have since graduated, actively participated in the community they helped create during their time at TCU. Today, Nourish remains open to all TCU students, offering a platform to enhance their well-being through peer support.
Weekly meetings provide a structured yet flexible environment where students take the lead, bringing forward recovery-focused topics for collective discussion. These gatherings extend beyond scheduled meeting times, as members are encouraged to foster connections by communicating with and supporting one another outside of the meetings as well. Nourish embraces a holistic approach, inviting participants to engage in various activities throughout the semester, ranging from lunches and movie nights to crafts and other fun activities.
“The goal of this peer support community is for students to find connection and support from like-minded peers,” Swartz said. “The activities that we do are based on what the current students want to do together, and we are always open to new ideas.”
Having relaunched earlier this month, Nourish is entering a phase of regrowth, and its community is eagerly anticipating new members. The hybrid setting of Nourish accommodates both in-person and virtual participation, with meetings held on Thursdays at 8 a.m. in Jarvis 221 or via Zoom. Swartz invites interested TCU students to reach out via email at [email protected].
