[fatzyp]

I am a 24 yr old female. I recently started my masters degree in Industrial Psychology and I have a great supervisor/professor. She is 51. She is very tough and likes to keep things professional; however, I have started to grow attached to her - if you can call it that.

I keep making excuses to go and see her and I try very hard to please her with my marks. I get upset when she is simply brief and to-the-point in our meetings.

It is almost as if I wish we could have a personal relationship and be friends. I sort of want to be close to her as I really admire her and look up to her as a role model.

I think she may have sensed that I am overdoing it by seeing her too much as she did not reply to my message about wanting to see her tomorrow.

I sense this is a possible maternal transference in terms of me wanting to be loved and cared for by her. I even get jealous when she gives other students attention and I am especially jealous of her children with whom she is obviously extremely close to.

I recognise this is unhealthy. How do I deal with and could it be maternal transference or something else altogether?

[unaluna]

Can you see a counselor at your college to discuss this?

[FranzJosef]

It can be very painful when you see someone in a role they are not prepared to play.

[LindaLu]

Welcome fatzyp to PC. This might be transference. That can arise easily with role models such as this faculty, coaches, mentors. The feelings are uncomfortable but worth exploring to gain insight and new strength. Going it alone can lead to rumination and more discomfort. In the academic setting that can be challenging. Like hankster said, a counselor can provide assistance resolving these feelings and regaining focus.