Privacy Policy

Last updated: 10/08/2025

This Privacy Policy explains how I collect, use, and protect your personal data when you visit my website, submit an enquiry, or use my counselling services. I am committed to protecting your privacy and complying with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the German Federal Data Protection Act (BDSG), and all other applicable data protection laws.

Name: Aleix Pena
Space name: The Antipodes Couch.

Email: antipodescouch@gmail.com

I am the data controller responsible for the processing of your personal data.

I may collect the following personal data:

a) Information you provide directly

When you use the contact form, send me an email, or speak to me in person, I may collect:

  • Name and surname

  • Email address

  • Reason you are seeking counselling or psychoanalysis (this may include special category data relating to your mental health)

  • Any other information you choose to share

b) Automatically collected information

When you visit my website, basic technical data may be collected automatically, such as:

  • IP address

  • Browser type and version

  • Date and time of access

  • Pages visited
    This is collected via secure server logs for security and performance purposes.

Information relating to mental health is considered special category data under Article 9 GDPR. I will only process such data if you give me your explicit consent when you submit it via the contact form or email.

I process your personal data in order to respond to your enquiries, provide counselling services, and keep appropriate records in line with legal requirements. When you share information about your mental health, this is considered special category data under the GDPR and is processed only with your explicit consent. The legal bases for processing your data are: the performance of a contract or steps taken at your request before entering into a contract (Article 6(1)(b) GDPR); compliance with legal obligations (Article 6(1)(c) GDPR); my legitimate interests in ensuring the security and proper operation of my website (Article 6(1)(f) GDPR); and, for special category data, your explicit consent (Article 9(2)(a) GDPR).

Your data is stored securely in accordance with GDPR requirements:

  • Digital records are stored on encrypted devices and/or secure cloud services within the EU.

  • Any paper notes (if kept) are stored in locked cabinets accessible only to me.

    Data retention:

  1. Enquiries: If you do not become a client, your personal data will be deleted within 3 months of our last contact.

  2. Clients: If you become a client, your records will be retained for 10 years after the last session, in accordance with §630f BGB and German healthcare record-keeping obligations.

  3. After the retention period, data will be securely deleted or destroyed.

I do not share your personal data with third parties unless:

  • Required by law (e.g., court order, legal obligation)

  • You give explicit written consent.

  • There is a serious and immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, in which case I may contact relevant authorities. (This will be discussed during the first session: the boundaries of confidentiality.

Your Rights Under GDPR

You have the right to:

  • Access your personal data (Art. 15 GDPR)

  • Rectify incorrect or incomplete data (Art. 16 GDPR)

  • Delete your data (“right to be forgotten”) (Art. 17 GDPR)

  • Restrict processing (Art. 18 GDPR)

  • Object to processing (Art. 21 GDPR)

  • Data portability (Art. 20 GDPR)

  • Withdraw consent at any time (Art. 7 GDPR) – this will not affect processing before consent was withdrawn

  • Lodge a complaint with the German data protection authority (Berliner Beauftragte für Datenschutz und Informationsfreiheit)

Our data is transmitted via encrypted HTTPS/SSL connections and stored in secure systems. While no online service can guarantee 100% security, I take all reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect your information.

This website may use essential cookies for security and proper functionality.
No tracking, advertising, or analytics cookies are used without your prior consent.

I do not transfer your personal data outside the European Economic Area (EEA). If this ever changes, transfers will only take place with adequate safeguards in place.

For any questions about this Privacy Policy or your data, please contact:

Mr. Aleix Pena
antipodescouch@gmail.com