I had a CBT T once but we ended up doing a lot of talk therapy because I didn't like CBT at all, for the same reasons you don't. I think your problem is the other T being long-distance. Have you considered finding another psychodynamic T who is available for regular sessions? I know you said you don't want to give him up, but that IS an option.

I think it's a good idea to ask your T how long short-term is. DBT is supposed to be 2 cycles--about a year, but my DBT T said I can stay in longer.

It's true that the relationship isn't as important to a CBT T, and your T seems to be telling you that upfront. How long have you been seeing him?