The licking thing is also a submissive behaviour and the very worst thing you can do is to pay it any attention at all.
Along with changing the feeding routine I would suggest that you follow the rule - no attention for no work. This means not paying any attention, words, looks, touches to the dog until the dog has settled (laying down, on it's own) for ten minutes. Then call the dog over, quietly, and ask for a sit. Then you can fuss, give a little treat ( a LITTLE treat) and speak to the dog. As soon as any licking occurs get up, walk away as though you have something to do like make a cup of tea or something. Keep on ignoring until the dog has settled again and do it again (obviously don't call the dog EVERY 10 minutes but leave it at least ten minutes.) Praise must be gentle and calm and if you can finish the praise and send the dog off to lay down without being licked (finish the amount of contact that you want though - don't cut it short just so the dog doesn't lick. The dog learns more this way from a mixture of getting it right and getting it wrong) then you have progress. It may seem to take a long time and progress may seem slow but it is gentle, kind and easy for the dog to understand what makes the difference. It will also boost the dogs confidence as it shows the dog that you are in control and are very secure in your position - you do not have to shout or get physical in any way. It is a natural way that the dog will learn as it is the same way that a dominant and secure dog would treat a less dominant dog. Along with the new feeding regime your dog should blossom into a more confident and relaxed companion within a couple of weeks. I'm sure you will see a difference within a week.