CBT is a general structure that can be adapted for specific needs. I was trying to understand it too and as a Psychology major, I didn't think my T was actually using it even though she said she was. I read a short book on it, "Introcucing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Practical Guide" and as I read it, I noticed that my T was using almost everything in the book.

The book is a pretty quick read and it helped me understand the approach a lot better. A big part of CBT is "homework" but my T rarely ever gives me homework. If she does, it's generally because I don't have an answer to a question and she tells me to explore it more throughout the next week.

CBT can also be meshed with a few different techniques. I know my T also uses mindfulness techniques without explicitly stating that she is using them.

Anyway, give the book a try, or any other kind of book and it might help you make a little more sense of your T's approach.