Switched to a new doctor and recommended CBT for anxiety and depression

I just switched to a new doctor and messaged him on the portal asking if we could increase the stuff for anxiety and depression and that I'm worried about developing tolerances for stuff I've been on for a long time (like lorazepam for 4 years). He recommended getting cognitive behavioral therapy. I've had therapy before in connection with a psychiatrist and currently I'm seeing a therapist atm with coordination of care but not to check on medication effects. What's different about CBT and is it actually effective? I've googled it some but it just sounds like the stereotypical "say happy things to think happy thoughts" type therapy you see made fun of in movies and stuff. I was wondering if anyone on here had experience.