I think if erasing memories was entirely possible, everyone on the planet would be working to do it. How easy would it be to just get rid of the painful memories, instead of having to work through them in order to heal?

I personally do not believe memories can be erased. Repressed, indeed, which isn't beneficial to healing. Our brains have neuroplasticity -- they can change. So I believe that working towards change would be a healthier solution. Change is certainly harder, but you know the saying that nothin' in life comes easy. Just my opinion.