I think you had a light bulb moment ((WobblyWombat)). I'm sorry you felt so afraid of your father. Most people understand common fears, like spiders, heights etc., but its harder to understand what seems irrational fears, but it doesn't have to make sense to be a real fear or phobia. I once saw an employee in the Dollar store and she had a phobia of balloons.

You're lucky to make that connection and I bet the agoraphobia is also related to fear of leaving a room, when you were a child. I think its so wrong for a child to afraid. I agree its best to challenge the fear in a positive way. I really like Perna's suggestion.