Exercise: Making the Negativity Bias Visible

Listen to the AI-generated audio version of this article. (Beta)

Often, it is especially the things that didn’t go well that stick with us. Our attention almost automatically focuses on what was exhausting, incomplete, or negative. This exercise helps you to perceive your day more consciously and more fully — without sugarcoating anything, but also without overlooking what matters.

This exercise takes about 10 minutes and is especially suitable at the end of a completely ordinary day. Take a quiet moment, preferably without distractions.

Step 1 – First thoughts (approx. 3 minutes)
Briefly close your eyes and mentally go through your day — from waking up until now. Then open your eyes and write down everything that comes to mind spontaneously.

  • without organizing
  • without judging
  • without changing anything

It can be chaotic or even negatively colored. If you get stuck, ask yourself:
“What stood out to me the most today?”

Step 2 – Counter list (approx. 3 minutes)
Now deliberately direct your attention in a different direction.

Write down:

What was okay today?
What did you accomplish — even small things?
What worked?

These can be very simple things. The ordinary is completely enough.

Then briefly compare:
How do the two lists differ?
Which one feels more present?

Step 3 – A moment that stays (approx. 4 minutes)
Choose one point from your second list.

Read it slowly twice
Briefly close your eyes
Recall the situation: Where were you? What did you notice?

Stay with this moment for about 15–20 seconds — without judging it or thinking further.

Final reflection question
When you compare your spontaneous image of the day with your second list:
How close do these two perspectives come?

And what would change if you gave the things from the second list as much weight as your initial thoughts?

Feedback

Terms of use

Terms of use for the use of the Mindvise platform for online psychological counseling

Date of last update: 20.05.2025

—

1. Service description
Mindvise provides a digital platform that gives company employees access to online psychological counseling by qualified, freelance psychologists. The psychologists act independently and determine the content of the consultations themselves.

2. Qualification of consultants
All consultants working on the platform have at least a degree in psychology (Master of Science or diploma). Their suitability is checked by Mindvise before they start working.

3. Confidentiality
All contents of the counseling sessions are subject to confidentiality. Personal information will not be passed on to third parties, in particular to the employer, except in the case of express consent or legal obligation.

4. Disclaimer
Use of the platform is voluntary and at your own risk. Psychological counseling is not a substitute for medical or psychotherapeutic treatment. Mindvise accepts no liability for direct or indirect consequences arising from the use of counseling services.

5. Code of conduct
Respectful, professional interaction is a prerequisite. Discrimination, insults or behavior that violates boundaries will not be tolerated. The advisors are entitled to terminate conversations in the event of inappropriate behavior.

6. Cancellation policy
Consultation appointments must be canceled at least 12 hours before the start. If an appointment is canceled later, up to 80% of the fee can be claimed as expenses, depending on the employer’s regulations.

7. Restrictions on use
Use is not suitable if:

* You are in an acute mental health crisis or emergency. In such cases, please contact the medical on-call service (116117) or the emergency number 112.
* You have a serious mental illness that requires continuous specialist care.
* You are a minor and do not have the consent of your legal guardian.

If you are currently undergoing psychotherapeutic treatment, we recommend that you consult with your treating specialist before using the platform.

8. Consent to data processing
By using the platform, you agree to the terms of use and the privacy policy. You agree that your voluntarily submitted information on mental stress may be processed by Mindvise (including health data in accordance with Art. 9 GDPR). This consent is voluntary and can be revoked at any time.

—

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact:
[kontakt@mindvise.de](mailto:kontakt@mindvise.de)

Privacy policy

1. General information on data protection

Thank you for using our services. The protection of your personal data is important to us. This privacy policy explains how we process personal data, when you use our services. We only collect the data that is necessary for the use of our platform, and do not pass it on to third parties without your consent.

2. Person responsible for data processing

Responsible within the meaning of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):

Mindvise
Pascal Seitz
Lamprecht Str. 51
63739 Aschaffenburg, Germany

Phone: 01579-2526192
E-mail: kontakt@mindvise.de
Website: https://mental.mindvise.de

3. Collection and use of personal data

We only collect the data provided by you (first name, e-mail address, telephone number, business code, consultation topic, additional information transmitted on the consultation request) that was transmitted when booking consultation appointments. This data is stored on our server for 30 days and then backed up locally for 12 months. Our freelance consultants receive your data when an appointment is booked and also store it locally for a maximum of 12 months. For service agreements with a limit on monthly consultations per employee, the data is used to monitor compliance with the set limits.

4. Booking via hotline

As an alternative to online booking, you have the option of booking appointments via the hotline listed above so that you do not have to enter any data via the booking system.

5. Voluntariness of use

Use of the advisory services via the platform is voluntary. There are no disadvantages if you do not wish to take advantage of the offer.

6. Legal basis of the processing

Your data is processed on the following legal bases:

  • Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR): Your voluntary consent when providing the data for booking appointments.
  • Fulfillment of a contract (Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b GDPR): Processing of data for the provision of our services.
  • Protection of legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR): Data processing is carried out in the interest of the smooth operation of our services, provided that no interests of the data subject worthy of protection prevail.

7. Processing of special categories of data

As part of the consultation, information may be processed that allows conclusions to be drawn about your mental health (e.g. through free text information on stress or concerns). This data is considered special categories of personal data within the meaning of Art. 9 GDPR. The processing takes place exclusively with your express consent in accordance with Art. 9 para. 2 lit. a GDPR. This consent is voluntary and can be revoked at any time.

8. Video communication

For video communication, we recommend using Jitsi Meet on our server at https://meet.mindvise.de. Advisors are free to decide whether to use this server or choose an alternative platform, which will be communicated to you in advance by e-mail. In this case, the data protection provisions of the chosen provider apply. If you do not wish to use an alternative provider as a video communication tool, you can communicate this by sending an e-mail to the selected consultant in advance. When using the Mindvise-hosted Jitsi Meet instance, personal data such as IP addresses may be collected. This data is used exclusively to enable communication and is not passed on to third parties.

9. Mental Health Assistent (ChatGPT API)

When using the digital mental health assistant, your voluntary free text entries can be transmitted to the OpenAI API for processing. The processing is pseudonymized (without direct name or identity assignment) and exclusively for the provision of the assistant function. The transfer is secured by the conclusion of standard contractual clauses in accordance with Art. 46 GDPR and OpenAI’s participation in the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework.

10. Technical and organizational measures (TOMs)

We have implemented the following measures to ensure the protection of your data:

  • Access control: The servers are provided by ISO-certified providers (Netcup, Alfahosting).
  • Access control: Access is only granted via password-protected systems with strict password guidelines.
  • Encryption and data backup: All data transmissions are SSL-encrypted. Data is deleted every 30 days and backed up locally.
  • Forwarding control: Encrypted communication channels (e-mail, SSL) are used.
  • Separation control: Logical separation of test and production data.
  • Integrity control: Regular backups and version controls ensure data integrity.
  • Roles and rights system: Administrative access is restricted; there is no access to personal content.

11 Rights of the data subjects

You have the right, to request information about the personal data stored about you at any time and to request the correction, deletion or restriction of the processing of this data. You also have the right to data portability and the right to object. You can withdraw your consent to the processing of personal data at any time.

12. Right to erasure (“right to be forgotten”)

You have the right to request the deletion of your personal data if:

  • the data is no longer required for the original purpose;
  • You withdraw your consent and there is no other legal basis for processing;
  • You object to the processing and there are no overriding legitimate grounds;
  • the data was processed unlawfully;
  • the deletion is necessary to fulfill a legal obligation.

13. Right to lodge a complaint with the supervisory authority

If you believe that the processing of your data violates the GDPR, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the competent data protection authority:

The Bavarian State Commissioner for Data Protection
P.O. Box 22 12 19, 80502 Munich
E-mail: poststelle@datenschutz-bayern.de

14. Duration of data storage

Personal data is stored on our server for a maximum of 30 days. At the end of this period, the data is deleted and backed up locally. Freelance consultants store the data locally for up to 12 months and then delete it permanently.

15. Data transfer to third parties and third countries

We do not pass on personal data to third parties without your consent. Personal data is only transferred to third countries in the context of using the Mental Health Assistant. In this case, the transfer is secured by OpenAI’s participation in the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework and by standard contractual clauses (SCCs) in accordance with Art. 46 GDPR.

16. Cookies and similar technologies

We only use technically necessary cookies on our website to enable you to make optimum use of our services. Analytical or marketing cookies are not used.

17. Automated decision-making including profiling

There is no automated decision-making or profiling within the meaning of Art. 22 GDPR.

18. Further processing for other purposes

Further processing of the personal data collected for other purposes is not planned. Should this become necessary in the future, you will be informed accordingly prior to such further processing.

19. Time of provision of the information

This information is provided to you at the latest at the time of data collection and within one month of the data being collected.

20. Adjustments to this privacy policy

We reserve the right to amend this privacy policy if necessary, to comply with legal requirements or to reflect changes to our services.

Feedback

Terms of use

Terms of use for the use of the Mindvise platform for online psychological counseling

Date of last update: 20.05.2025

—

1. Service description
Mindvise provides a digital platform that gives company employees access to online psychological counseling by qualified, freelance psychologists. The psychologists act independently and determine the content of the consultations themselves.

2. Qualification of consultants
All consultants working on the platform have at least a degree in psychology (Master of Science or diploma). Their suitability is checked by Mindvise before they start working.

3. Confidentiality
All contents of the counseling sessions are subject to confidentiality. Personal information will not be passed on to third parties, in particular to the employer, except in the case of express consent or legal obligation.

4. Disclaimer
Use of the platform is voluntary and at your own risk. Psychological counseling is not a substitute for medical or psychotherapeutic treatment. Mindvise accepts no liability for direct or indirect consequences arising from the use of counseling services.

5. Code of conduct
Respectful, professional interaction is a prerequisite. Discrimination, insults or behavior that violates boundaries will not be tolerated. The advisors are entitled to terminate conversations in the event of inappropriate behavior.

6. Cancellation policy
Consultation appointments must be canceled at least 12 hours before the start. If an appointment is canceled later, up to 80% of the fee can be claimed as expenses, depending on the employer’s regulations.

7. Restrictions on use
Use is not suitable if:

* You are in an acute mental health crisis or emergency. In such cases, please contact the medical on-call service (116117) or the emergency number 112.
* You have a serious mental illness that requires continuous specialist care.
* You are a minor and do not have the consent of your legal guardian.

If you are currently undergoing psychotherapeutic treatment, we recommend that you consult with your treating specialist before using the platform.

8. Consent to data processing
By using the platform, you agree to the terms of use and the privacy policy. You agree that your voluntarily submitted information on mental stress may be processed by Mindvise (including health data in accordance with Art. 9 GDPR). This consent is voluntary and can be revoked at any time.

—

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact:
[kontakt@mindvise.de](mailto:kontakt@mindvise.de)

Privacy policy

1. General information on data protection

Thank you for using our services. The protection of your personal data is important to us. This privacy policy explains how we process personal data, when you use our services. We only collect the data that is necessary for the use of our platform, and do not pass it on to third parties without your consent.

2. Person responsible for data processing

Responsible within the meaning of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):

Mindvise
Pascal Seitz
Lamprecht Str. 51
63739 Aschaffenburg, Germany

Phone: 01579-2526192
E-mail: kontakt@mindvise.de
Website: https://mental.mindvise.de

3. Collection and use of personal data

We only collect the data provided by you (first name, e-mail address, telephone number, business code, consultation topic, additional information transmitted on the consultation request) that was transmitted when booking consultation appointments. This data is stored on our server for 30 days and then backed up locally for 12 months. Our freelance consultants receive your data when an appointment is booked and also store it locally for a maximum of 12 months. For service agreements with a limit on monthly consultations per employee, the data is used to monitor compliance with the set limits.

4. Booking via hotline

As an alternative to online booking, you have the option of booking appointments via the hotline listed above so that you do not have to enter any data via the booking system.

5. Voluntariness of use

Use of the advisory services via the platform is voluntary. There are no disadvantages if you do not wish to take advantage of the offer.

6. Legal basis of the processing

Your data is processed on the following legal bases:

  • Consent (Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR): Your voluntary consent when providing the data for booking appointments.
  • Fulfillment of a contract (Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b GDPR): Processing of data for the provision of our services.
  • Protection of legitimate interests (Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR): Data processing is carried out in the interest of the smooth operation of our services, provided that no interests of the data subject worthy of protection prevail.

7. Processing of special categories of data

As part of the consultation, information may be processed that allows conclusions to be drawn about your mental health (e.g. through free text information on stress or concerns). This data is considered special categories of personal data within the meaning of Art. 9 GDPR. The processing takes place exclusively with your express consent in accordance with Art. 9 para. 2 lit. a GDPR. This consent is voluntary and can be revoked at any time.

8. Video communication

For video communication, we recommend using Jitsi Meet on our server at https://meet.mindvise.de. Advisors are free to decide whether to use this server or choose an alternative platform, which will be communicated to you in advance by e-mail. In this case, the data protection provisions of the chosen provider apply. If you do not wish to use an alternative provider as a video communication tool, you can communicate this by sending an e-mail to the selected consultant in advance. When using the Mindvise-hosted Jitsi Meet instance, personal data such as IP addresses may be collected. This data is used exclusively to enable communication and is not passed on to third parties.

9. Mental Health Assistent (ChatGPT API)

When using the digital mental health assistant, your voluntary free text entries can be transmitted to the OpenAI API for processing. The processing is pseudonymized (without direct name or identity assignment) and exclusively for the provision of the assistant function. The transfer is secured by the conclusion of standard contractual clauses in accordance with Art. 46 GDPR and OpenAI’s participation in the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework.

10. Technical and organizational measures (TOMs)

We have implemented the following measures to ensure the protection of your data:

  • Access control: The servers are provided by ISO-certified providers (Netcup, Alfahosting).
  • Access control: Access is only granted via password-protected systems with strict password guidelines.
  • Encryption and data backup: All data transmissions are SSL-encrypted. Data is deleted every 30 days and backed up locally.
  • Forwarding control: Encrypted communication channels (e-mail, SSL) are used.
  • Separation control: Logical separation of test and production data.
  • Integrity control: Regular backups and version controls ensure data integrity.
  • Roles and rights system: Administrative access is restricted; there is no access to personal content.

11 Rights of the data subjects

You have the right, to request information about the personal data stored about you at any time and to request the correction, deletion or restriction of the processing of this data. You also have the right to data portability and the right to object. You can withdraw your consent to the processing of personal data at any time.

12. Right to erasure (“right to be forgotten”)

You have the right to request the deletion of your personal data if:

  • the data is no longer required for the original purpose;
  • You withdraw your consent and there is no other legal basis for processing;
  • You object to the processing and there are no overriding legitimate grounds;
  • the data was processed unlawfully;
  • the deletion is necessary to fulfill a legal obligation.

13. Right to lodge a complaint with the supervisory authority

If you believe that the processing of your data violates the GDPR, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the competent data protection authority:

The Bavarian State Commissioner for Data Protection
P.O. Box 22 12 19, 80502 Munich
E-mail: poststelle@datenschutz-bayern.de

14. Duration of data storage

Personal data is stored on our server for a maximum of 30 days. At the end of this period, the data is deleted and backed up locally. Freelance consultants store the data locally for up to 12 months and then delete it permanently.

15. Data transfer to third parties and third countries

We do not pass on personal data to third parties without your consent. Personal data is only transferred to third countries in the context of using the Mental Health Assistant. In this case, the transfer is secured by OpenAI’s participation in the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework and by standard contractual clauses (SCCs) in accordance with Art. 46 GDPR.

16. Cookies and similar technologies

We only use technically necessary cookies on our website to enable you to make optimum use of our services. Analytical or marketing cookies are not used.

17. Automated decision-making including profiling

There is no automated decision-making or profiling within the meaning of Art. 22 GDPR.

18. Further processing for other purposes

Further processing of the personal data collected for other purposes is not planned. Should this become necessary in the future, you will be informed accordingly prior to such further processing.

19. Time of provision of the information

This information is provided to you at the latest at the time of data collection and within one month of the data being collected.

20. Adjustments to this privacy policy

We reserve the right to amend this privacy policy if necessary, to comply with legal requirements or to reflect changes to our services.

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