This qualitative research studied how former violent extremists understand the drivers that led them into and out of violent extremist, and terrorist movements in Canada, the USA and Europe, which are continents that are also affected by settler-colonialism. The PI is also a former extremist and used critical autoethnographic, intersectional feminist and Indigenous methodologies. Methods included gathering from interviews with former Incel, Neo Nazi, anti-government and violent, political Islamists, their family members, and non-governmental organizations (NGO) staff, and a talking circle/focus group with formers. The research findings increase knowledge about how to better prevent and intervene into violent extremist and terrorist social movements with more effective practitioner efforts at micro, meso and macro levels of society. Research results demonstrated complex and intersecting drivers of entry and exit from violent social movements, and the importance of systemic policies and praxis, such as improved anti-bullying, mental health and educational resources, policy, and PVE/exit programming to teach effective critical thinking training, cross cultural conflict resolution and dialogue skills. Key findings also suggest that mental health and faith systems assist communities affected by intergenerational effects of colonialism/occupation, war, racism, and patriarchy to build identities, cultural and gender relationships where there is equity and powersharing.