In cbt therapy, my experience has been that you learn to change your perceptions in your distortive thinking. You will probably keep a mood chart. You may be asked to journal as well. Also, some t's ask that you do other homework.
For me, after the basics of cbt, my former t and I took different routes. When I made comments indicating distorted thinking, she would refer to cbt while we worked in other areas. For many, cbt is a short-term therapy. It is very defined. I found it helpful, but I still find that I need constant reminders when I am depressed.
Bluemountains