Struggling With My New Dynamic

Hello everyone, I'm a grad student in my early twenties. Recently, I started exploring a Dominant-submissive dynamic with someone I deeply care about and who respects me. It's been an eye-opening experience that has brought us closer in some ways but has also left me feeling unsure about how to proceed. We both agreed it would be beneficial for the relationship to explore boundaries and trust, which is why we decided on this path. However, there have been moments when I've pushed too hard or crossed invisible lines without realizing it. The most recent instance happened a week ago during what was supposed to be a session where she could express her needs and concerns. Instead of feeling empowered and heard, she seemed overwhelmed and shut down. I feel terrible about this; my intention was never to make her uncomfortable or upset. I want our dynamic to work but fear that I might have crossed the line in terms of consent and emotional safety. Is it normal for there to be growing pains when establishing such a relationship? How do I ensure we are on equal footing while maintaining the essence of this dynamic? Any advice or insight you can provide would mean so much to me right now.