The journey to becoming a qualitative social work researcher: seven mile-markers

This paper deals with the meaningful relationships between qualitative research and social work. It seeks to explore seven mile-markers through which one can develop the identity of a qualitative social worker. These steps are: listen to the story, become your own teacher, be systematic, remember the context, make a change, find a friend, and take care. Each step is conceptualized and explained using key theories and concepts in social work and qualitative research. They are further exemplified through the examination of the author’s experience in both the qualitative and social work fields in the context of child sexual abuse. The article aims to provide social workers and qualitative researchers with tools that will help them improve and empower their professional and research skills, and to clarify and achieve the connection between the two realms.