Maybe something to think about is what is exactly holding you back in your therapy?

• Do you not agree with your therapist's judgement or suggestions?
• Have you tried anything he's suggested?
• Is there a block on talking about something important?
• Are you feeling understood?
• Is it a collaborative relationship where you share, he shares, and you talk about solutions together?

• Are you clearly able to put your finger on what isn't working for you?
• Are you going around in circles because you're resisting change of some kind?

• What fundamentally do you disagree with during your "arguments"?

• Do you primary want to talk and gain insight or do you want advice?

Could you take a break and try something new for a few months? OR ask the one you see now if it is possible to come back in the future (all the ones I have tried have said I could always come back except the one who retired after we became friends - and she said it - it just wasn't physically possible because she moved to another state).

A lot depends on what you are going for, which I am not clear on though some others seem to know you better and have a sense. I find psychodynamic therapy very helpful. I like a certain branch that is very new and contemporary, called relational. As people have said the relationship matters a lot more than the technique. In relational therapy they use the relationship sorta as a technique. Anyway, if you have tried CBT and feel frustrated, why not try something else and see if it fits you better and your situation. Yes, it is hard to start over and go to a new person, but in a way it is also exciting. It's amazing how much difference there is and how you can go over something that was flat before and suddenly comes to life and builds from there just by switching therapists.

Yes, from what your T said, quoted above, it sounds like you might rationalize and intellectualize, which are often used as emotional defenses. CBT can make that worse (and I think that is one reason it works for some-it strengthens these defenses). You most likely won't be able to do that with psychodynamic therapy. If you rationalize and intellectualize, the therapist wouldn't engage in any "argument". S/he'd listen and accept, so you'd naturally stop thinking since the T wouldn't reciprocate, and you'd be forced to feel rather than think. That could be a considerable change for you.