I think where the argument falls apart is in the absoluteness of the statement...the core goal of ANY...etc...

It might be the goal of some in psychotherapy to find a way to deal with unwanted or uncomfortable responses, but it does not follow that it is a core goal of ALL people in psychotherapy. If that is YOUR specific reason for being in therapy, then the statement is true for you, and that is the goal you can work towards. Others may have different goals. Some may wish for help in dealing with grief or trauma or a specific mental disorder. Some may wish for help in dealing with completely voluntary, but maladaptive behaviors or thoughts. Their goals might not be to become comfortable with involuntary responses or reactions, but to understand why they have particular voluntary reactions or responses. Or, the goal might be to understand, accept, or process a specific event which is troubling to the client.

Debate of such a statement is difficult, because what rings true for one client may not for another. Each of us has our own goals, and to try to convince someone that their goal is flawed is unrealistic without knowing the entire history and circumstances of that person.