Reddit mentions of Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy

This one is solid. Earlier editions are good, too

Ha, you're the first to get the reference. I lean psychodynamic, but a Jungian dream interpretation class was what made me change my major in undergrad. I also think the interpretation is pretty BS, but the concepts are cool.

You can graduate and practice without ever selecting a theoretical orientation (TO). An MA program will probably use the Gerald Corey (2016) book. After that one class it's up to you. Most people just read more about a theory that fits well with their worldview and apply it in practice. I should also say that you'll learn most from your practicum supervisors and they will teach you based on what they know. You don't need certifications. For example, I learned a lot of DBT last year in my prac and I've incorporated some of what I learned, and I don't plan on getting certified.

For me, I actually have a comprehensive exam where I need to orally defend that I am well-versed in one TO. I use time-limited dynamic psychotherapy (TLDP). I spent maybe two days in class learning about it. In order to pass my comps I needed to get more books and articles to understand this particular TO better. An MA will not force you to do that, but it is the same process to really learn a TO.