How does CBT work week-to-week during panic, and are worksheets useful?

[StevenTJ]

I've been struggling with chronic anxiety and persistent negative thought patterns for years, and my new therapist has recommended we start Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I understand the basic premise of identifying and challenging distorted thoughts, but I'm skeptical about how practical it will be during a real panic attack or a spiral of rumination. For those who have gone through CBT, what did the actual process look like week-to-week? Did you find the worksheets and thought records genuinely helpful in creating long-term change, or did it feel too academic? How long did it take before you noticed a tangible difference in your daily reactions to stress?