I had an amusing past life memory surface.

It is amusing because it explained a sort of phobia I used to have.

Used to be that I couldn't sleep without my right heel being out from under the covers. I just had to stick that one heel out.

The past life I remembered was apparently from caveman days. I was in a cave, with my sister, sleeping.

A bear drug me out of the cave by my right heel and ate me alive, while my sister watched in helpless horror.

This memory surface when I again came into a lifetime with that same soul who was my sister in that older lifetime. It was some sort of cellular release work that needed to happen and because she was back in my life, it triggered the memory.

I also agree that memories of the current life can cause phobias. I know this because I've always been unable to stand anything around my neck. Couldn't wear turtlenecks or even shirts with high collars.

I finally found out that, when I was born, the umbilical cord was wrapped around my neck and I almost choked to death.

So, I'd say yes to both those being factors in phobias.