In a quiet corner of Duleek, Four Swans Therapy and Wellness has grown into a space many people across Meath, Louth and beyond now turn to for support. Founded by Co Meath psychotherapists Antonia Fleeton and Helen Price, the centre was created with care, intention and a strong sense of responsibility to both clients and therapists.
“Four Swans is a welcoming, multidisciplinary therapy and wellness centre where people of all ages can access support in a space that feels calm, safe and supportive.”
That sense of safety and warmth was central to the founders’ vision from the very beginning. Alongside professional, evidence-based therapy, the centre also offers a wide range of holistic services, allowing people to access support in ways that suit them. “What makes us unique is the combination of professional, evidence-based therapy with a warm, community-centred environment and a wide range of holistic services under one roof.”
The idea for Four Swans grew from Antonia and Helen’s own experiences working in the field. They saw how difficult it could be for therapists to find spaces that truly supported the work they do. “We wanted to create a centre that cared not only for clients, but also for the therapists who support them. So many therapists struggle to find workspaces that feel safe, nurturing and professionally suitable.”
Duleek was chosen carefully, offering accessibility, strong transport links and a wide catchment area across the North East. For the founders, location mattered not just practically, but emotionally. “Establishing Four Swans in this region meant supporting local people, supporting local therapists.”
Wellbeing at Four Swans is viewed as something holistic rather than one dimensional. The centre brings together counselling and psychotherapy with yoga, meditation, reiki, workshops and group programmes. “Sometimes emotional support, sometimes body-based healing, sometimes community.”
Diversity is central to how the centre operates, with a team of therapists from different backgrounds and languages. “People feel safer and more understood when they can work with someone who gets their inner world.”
From the moment a client makes contact, the focus is on helping them feel at ease. The space itself has been designed to feel warm and welcoming, rather than clinical. “We focus on warmth and gentleness from the very first contact.”
The response from the wider community has been encouraging, with people increasingly open about mental health and wellbeing. “There’s a real shift happening.” One of the proudest milestones for the centre came last November with the launch of Phase Two, expanding from five therapy rooms to twelve and introducing dedicated spaces for play therapy and adolescent support. “Expanding from five therapy rooms to twelve in less than a year was a major milestone for us.”
Behind the scenes, running a wellness centre brings its own challenges, particularly when balancing full client caseloads with family life and the demands of running a growing business. “There are no days off.”
The centre has been entirely self funded, something the founders acknowledge was a significant personal commitment. “There is no funding for private mental health services.”
Offering both clinical therapy and holistic supports under one roof remains a core belief. “There is no such thing as a one size fits all approach.”
Accessibility is also a priority, with Four Swans offering a low cost counselling service to help ensure support is available to as many people as possible.
The name Four Swans is inspired by the Children of Lir legend and the swans often seen along the River Boyne, symbolising strength, resilience and transformation. This symbolism runs throughout the centre, including a commissioned artwork by Drogheda artist Elizabeth Lodge.
Looking ahead, Antonia and Helen hope to expand specialist group programmes and supports for children, teenagers and families, while continuing to work closely with local schools, GPs and allied health professionals.
Their message to the community is simple and heartfelt. “Four Swans exists because the community welcomed us, trusted us, and allowed us to grow alongside them.”
