From fear to freedom
After 31 years of living with panic attacks, phobias and agoraphobia, Patty found the tools to break free — and has devoted her life to helping others do the same.
31 years of living in fear
For over 31 years I suffered from life-restricting phobias, panic attacks and agoraphobia. The decisions I made in life were largely “fear-based.” Relationships, career changes and goals were always set around “what if” thinking — What if I panic and someone sees me? What if I get stuck on the bridge? What if I lose control?
Sound familiar? I am a self-proclaimed “expert” on the subject of fear and all of its effects. After suffering for over 31 years, there isn’t anything I haven’t gone through, thought of, or experienced when it comes to panic attacks, phobias and anxiety.
As stress built up, my coping skills got weaker and my life became more and more restrictive. I finally had to quit my job as a claims manager. I found myself increasingly housebound — it became too difficult to grocery shop or go to the mall. I always had to have a “safe place” to retreat or a “safe person” with me. My life had become almost unbearable.
Then my whole life changed
I attended a “Phobease Anxiety Class” led by Dr. Howard Liebgold — a medical doctor at Kaiser who himself had suffered over 31 years with severe claustrophobia and agoraphobia. As I entered the room, I found about 30 other people from other walks of life attending. Over the years I thought I was the only one who suffered, so I had suffered in silence.
Dr. Liebgold started the class by impressing upon us that we were not crazy, we were not neurotic, and we were not psychotic. We were phobic — and phobias were easy to cure.
I attended all 10 classes. By the end of 10 weeks I was about 75% cured. After all, I’d had this disorder for over 31 years, so I knew it would take a little more time to systematically conquer every phobia I had collected. But I was determined to do whatever it took to be free.
Not only was I cured — my whole life changed
I took the Phobease class over 30 years ago. Not only was I cured, but my whole life changed for the better. I learned that a panic attack would not “kill” me, and they were time-limited. It took courage, faith and determination to challenge each and every one of my phobias — and as a result of hard work, I was cured.
I knew that from what I had learned, I could help others. With Dr. Liebgold’s permission, I have been teaching Phobease classes, holding seminars, and meeting with students one-on-one for over 25 years. The success rate of graduates has been phenomenal.
I have had students who can now travel far from home, fly in planes, use elevators, speak in public, make important job changes, live alone, recover from panic attacks, cross bridges, look out a window in a high-rise building, and travel alone — anywhere they want.
“I believe that anyone suffering with panic disorder, phobias, anxiety, or OCD can overcome their fears given the right tools and encouragement.”
— Patty Steele
Credentials & Experience
Certified Life Coach
Trained to guide and empower you toward meaningful, lasting change.
Certified Phobease Instructor
Specialized in the proven Phobease method pioneered by Dr. Howard Liebgold — a program with a 90% success rate.
25+ Years Teaching
Hundreds of students coached through debilitating panic attacks, phobias, anxiety, OCD and agoraphobia.
Working with Patty, you can expect
- A compassionate coach who truly understands what you're going through
- The proven Phobease method with an exceptional success rate
- One-on-one personalized coaching at your pace
- Practical, real-world strategies that fit your life
- A safe, encouraging, judgment-free environment
- Phone, online, and in-person sessions available
Let's begin your journey together
Have questions or ready to get started? Patty would love to hear from you.