I agree with you that the transference is the work, but CBT is just not that kind of work. It gives you coping skills so you can do the work. At least that's how I see it.
It sounds like your T is a behavioralist - he works from the viewpoint that changing your behaviors will effect change on your emotions. I guess this approach works for some people, but I find it somewhat 'cold'. I think it can work for some things, but it's just window dressing on deep wounds.