When To Use It
Use FAST when preserving self-respect is central to the interaction, especially around values, truthfulness, fairness, and apology boundaries.
FAST Self-Respect Effectiveness Planning Tool
FAST is a DBT interpersonal effectiveness tool for practitioners helping clients prepare for situations where values, fairness, apology boundaries, and truthfulness matter. It helps organize a self-respecting stance using Fair, no Apologies, Stick to values, and Truthful sections.
Explore a sample FAST plan
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Tool guide
Learn more about this tool
Use this background section to understand when the tool fits, how practitioners use it, and what to consider before sharing it with clients.
Important Boundary
The tool does not decide whether the client is right or wrong and does not score self-respect.
Can FAST include a planned apology?
Yes. If an apology is appropriate, the tool can include it while distinguishing it from unnecessary apology.
Is FAST a values inventory?
No. FAST captures values relevant to one interpersonal situation; it does not add a values taxonomy or score.
What if the client cannot name their values?
The plan remains incomplete and shows that as a coaching need rather than inventing values.