Your body data stays on your body’s device.
Cathexis processes all somatic data on your iPhone. Your check-ins, sensations, patterns, and insights never leave your device. No cloud sync. No server-side analytics on your body data. No selling anonymized datasets to researchers.
We use SwiftData (Apple’s on-device persistence framework) with iOS Data Protection encryption at rest. When your phone is locked, your somatic data is encrypted with your device passcode.
Crash analytics (via Sentry) collect only app stability data — never somatic content. A privacy-allowlist scrubber strips any body data before crash reports leave the device. You can opt out entirely in Settings.
When we launch Research Commons (v3.0+), participation will be opt-in, with a three-stage consent process and 7-step anonymization pipeline — all processed on-device before anything is shared.
Cathexis Privacy Policy
Effective Date: December 31, 2025
Last Updated: December 31, 2025
Cathexis (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is operated by Justin DeGarbo (“Founder”). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you use the Cathexis mobile application (“App”) and website at cathexis.health (“Site”).
1. Information We Collect
Somatic and Therapeutic Data: All somatic check-in data, body map selections, sensation records, session data, pattern observations, prediction data, program progress, and intervention responses are stored exclusively on your device using Apple’s SwiftData framework. We never collect, transmit, or store this data on any server.
Account Information: If you subscribe to a paid tier, Apple processes your payment through the App Store. We receive a transaction confirmation from Apple but never receive your payment card details, billing address, or Apple ID.
Crash and Stability Data: We use Sentry for crash analytics to improve app stability. Before any crash report leaves your device, a privacy-allowlist scrubber removes all somatic content, body zone data, sensation records, and therapeutic information. Only technical diagnostic information (device model, OS version, stack traces, error codes) is transmitted. You may opt out of crash reporting entirely in the App’s Settings.
HealthKit Data: With your explicit permission, the App may read sleep data, heart rate variability, respiratory rate, and menstrual cycle data from Apple HealthKit. This data is processed entirely on your device to power biometric pattern detection. It is never transmitted off-device. You can revoke HealthKit permissions at any time via iOS Settings > Privacy & Security > Health > Cathexis.
Website Analytics: The Site uses Google Analytics 4 to understand traffic patterns. This collects standard analytics data (pages viewed, session duration, approximate geographic region, referral source). No somatic or therapeutic data is ever present on the Site.
Email: If you voluntarily subscribe to our email list, we collect your email address via Squarespace’s built-in email campaigns. You may unsubscribe at any time using the link in any email.
2. How We Use Your Information
On-device somatic and therapeutic data is used solely to provide you with the App’s therapeutic features: somatic check-ins, adaptive interventions, pattern detection, prediction tracking, program progression, and session reports. This data never leaves your device.
Crash analytics data is used solely to identify and fix bugs that affect app stability.
HealthKit data is used solely to enhance biometric pattern detection (circadian disruption, respiratory rate correlation, menstrual cycle correlation). This processing occurs entirely on your device.
Website analytics are used to understand how visitors find and use the Site, and to improve its content.
Email addresses are used to send product updates, launch announcements, and educational content related to somatic awareness. We do not sell, rent, or share email addresses with third parties.
3. Data Storage and Security
All somatic and therapeutic data is stored on your device using Apple’s SwiftData framework with iOS Data Protection. When your device is locked, this data is encrypted with your device passcode via hardware-backed encryption. There is no cloud sync, no server-side database, and no backup to our systems.
If you delete the App, all on-device somatic and therapeutic data is permanently deleted. We cannot recover it because we never had access to it.
4. Research Commons (Future Feature)
In a future version, we plan to offer an optional Research Commons feature that allows you to contribute anonymized somatic data to scientific research. Participation will require a three-stage informed consent process. All data will pass through a seven-step anonymization pipeline that runs entirely on your device before any data is shared. You will be able to review exactly what data would be shared before consenting. You may withdraw consent at any time. This feature is not currently active.
5. Third-Party Services
The App integrates with the following third-party services: Apple App Store (payment processing for subscriptions, governed by Apple’s Privacy Policy), Apple HealthKit (on-device health data access with your permission, data remains on-device per Apple’s HealthKit guidelines), Sentry (crash analytics, receives only technical diagnostic data after privacy scrubbing, governed by Sentry’s Privacy Policy), and Google Analytics 4 (website only, standard web analytics, governed by Google’s Privacy Policy).
We do not use any advertising networks, data brokers, behavioral tracking SDKs, or social media analytics tools.
6. Children’s Privacy
Cathexis is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us at support@cathexis.health.
7. Your Rights
Because your somatic and therapeutic data is stored exclusively on your device, you have complete control over it at all times. You can delete all data by deleting the App. You can export session reports via the App’s Session Report feature. You can opt out of crash analytics in the App’s Settings. You can revoke HealthKit permissions via iOS Settings. You can unsubscribe from emails via the unsubscribe link in any email.
If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). Because we do not collect, sell, or share personal somatic data, most CCPA provisions are not applicable to on-device data. For any data we do hold (email addresses, crash analytics), you may request access or deletion by contacting support@cathexis.health.
8. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on the Site and updating the “Last Updated” date. Your continued use of the App after any changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
9. Contact
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, contact us at:
Email: support@cathexis.health
Cathexis • Justin DeGarbo, Founder & Clinical Director
Los Angeles, California
Cathexis Terms of Service
Effective Date: December 31, 2025
Last Updated: December 31, 2025
These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your use of the Cathexis mobile application (“App”) and website at cathexis.health (“Site”), operated by Justin DeGarbo (“Founder,” “we,” “our,” or “us”). By downloading, installing, or using the App, or by accessing the Site, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, do not use the App or Site.
1. Description of Service
Cathexis is a somatic awareness application that provides guided body-based practices, interactive body mapping, pattern detection, and educational content grounded in neuroscience research. The App is designed to help users develop interoceptive awareness and somatic self-observation skills.
2. Cathexis Is Not Therapy
IMPORTANT: Cathexis is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment. The App does not provide therapy, counseling, psychiatric services, crisis intervention, medical advice, or diagnosis. The App is an educational and self-awareness tool.
The somatic practices, psychoeducational content, and pattern observations provided by the App are informational and educational in nature. They are not clinical recommendations or prescriptions. The pattern intelligence system surfaces observations about somatic data patterns; it does not diagnose, interpret, or treat any condition.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988), Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741), or emergency services (911).
If you are working with a therapist or other mental health professional, we encourage you to share your Cathexis session reports with them. The App is designed to complement, not replace, professional care.
3. Eligibility
You must be at least 13 years of age to use the App. If you are between the ages of 13 and 18, you may use the App only with the consent of a parent or legal guardian. By using the App, you represent that you meet these eligibility requirements.
4. Account and Subscriptions
The App offers a free tier and paid subscription tiers. Subscriptions are processed through the Apple App Store. All subscription terms, billing, renewal, and cancellation are governed by Apple’s terms and your App Store account settings.
Subscription prices are displayed in the App at the time of purchase. Prices may change, but any price change will not affect your current billing period. Subscriptions renew automatically unless you cancel at least 24 hours before the end of the current billing period. You can manage or cancel subscriptions in your Apple ID account settings.
Refund requests must be directed to Apple, as they process all payments. We do not have access to your payment information.
5. Intellectual Property
Cathexis, the Cathexis logo, and all associated trademarks are the property of Justin DeGarbo. All content in the App, including therapeutic scripts, intervention graphs, psychoeducation modules, pattern intelligence algorithms, and visual design, is protected by copyright. You may not copy, modify, distribute, sell, or create derivative works from any part of the App or its content without our written permission.
Session Report PDFs generated by the App are yours to share with your healthcare providers. The underlying report format and design remain our intellectual property.
6. Your Data
You own your somatic and therapeutic data. Because all such data is stored exclusively on your device, we never have access to, possession of, or control over it. If you delete the App, your data is permanently deleted. We cannot recover or restore it. See our Privacy Policy for full details on data handling.
7. Acceptable Use
You agree not to: reverse-engineer, decompile, or disassemble the App; attempt to extract the App’s source code, algorithms, intervention graphs, or therapeutic content; use the App for any unlawful purpose; misrepresent the App’s capabilities or present its content as your own professional work; use automated systems to access or interact with the App; redistribute, sublicense, or commercially exploit the App or any of its content.
8. Disclaimer of Warranties
THE APP AND SITE ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE” WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT. WE DO NOT WARRANT THAT THE APP WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, ERROR-FREE, OR FREE OF HARMFUL COMPONENTS.
The somatic observations, patterns, and insights generated by the App are based on algorithmic analysis of self-reported data. They are not clinically validated diagnostic tools. The accuracy of any insight depends on the quality and consistency of the data you provide.
9. Limitation of Liability
TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, WE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING FROM YOUR USE OF THE APP OR SITE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF DATA, EMOTIONAL DISTRESS, OR PERSONAL INJURY. OUR TOTAL LIABILITY FOR ANY CLAIM ARISING FROM YOUR USE OF THE APP SHALL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT YOU PAID FOR THE APP IN THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM.
NOTHING IN THESE TERMS LIMITS LIABILITY FOR DEATH OR PERSONAL INJURY CAUSED BY NEGLIGENCE, FRAUD, OR ANY OTHER LIABILITY THAT CANNOT BE EXCLUDED BY LAW.
10. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold us harmless from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees) arising from your use of the App, your violation of these Terms, or your violation of any rights of a third party.
11. Termination
You may stop using the App at any time by deleting it from your device. We reserve the right to suspend or terminate access to the App if you violate these Terms. Upon termination, your on-device data remains on your device and under your control; we have no ability to access or delete it remotely.
12. Changes to These Terms
We may update these Terms from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by posting the updated Terms on the Site and, where possible, through an in-app notification. Your continued use of the App after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.
13. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any dispute arising from these Terms shall be resolved in the courts of Los Angeles County, California.
14. Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.
15. Entire Agreement
These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and us regarding the App and Site, and supersede any prior agreements.
16. Contact
If you have questions about these Terms, contact us at:
Email: support@cathexis.health
Cathexis • Justin DeGarbo, Founder & Clinical Director
Los Angeles, California