Which of the following is a main goal of therapy?

Healing pain and dysfunction is a primary goal of therapy because it directly addresses the physical and psychological issues that individuals may be facing. Therapy aims to alleviate symptoms that cause discomfort, distress, or impairment in daily functioning, facilitating a process of recovery and promoting overall well-being. This goal encompasses not only the reduction of pain but also the improvement of one’s emotional and psychological health, enabling individuals to regain a sense of control over their lives.

While other options focus on important aspects of therapeutic work—such as identifying limiting beliefs, creating strategies for the future, and supporting self-initiated change—these are often steps or elements that contribute to the broader goal of healing. Ultimately, therapy's effectiveness is frequently measured by its ability to mitigate suffering and restore functionality in patients, making healing pain and dysfunction a central aim in therapeutic practices.