@embiddonovan,
I think you definitely created a big connection. Reading your story, it looks like she really wants to help you and yes, she may see herself in you, since she had a similar experience in high school. Plus, you get along well with each other, so that gives her that desire to help and support you. After all, she's not obliged to help you. She could have simply told you to go to a therapist. Instead, it looks like she's very pleased to spend some time with you.
You have to feel happy to have such a nice teacher by your side. It doesn't happen often.